Przemysław Wiśniewski Reveals Exhaustion Behind Muted Celebration After Late Equaliser Denies Super Eagles Victory

Poland centre-back Przemysław Wiśniewski has opened up about the emotions behind his understated celebration following a dramatic late equaliser that denied Nigeria a victory in Wednesday’s international friendly at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw.

Wiśniewski’s long-range effort flew past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye deep into stoppage time, rescuing a 2-2 draw for the hosts in what had been a compelling contest. While the goal triggered celebrations in the stands among Polish supporters, the defender’s reaction on the pitch was notably subdued — a response he has since explained.

“I didn’t have a planned celebration because I don’t score often. I just struck the ball, and it went in. It was pure instinct,” Wiśniewski said after the match.

The defender attributed his muted display to a combination of physical exhaustion and genuine disbelief. Having found the net in the 90th minute following an intense 90-minute battle, Wiśniewski said he simply had little energy left to mount an elaborate celebration.

“I was fatigued in the 90th minute, so I wasn’t inclined to run around. I simply raised my hands. I’m delighted to have scored my first goal for Poland in this way,” he added.

The strike marked Wiśniewski’s first international goal since making his Poland debut in a World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands in September 2025. Given the infrequency of his scoring, the defender was quick to downplay expectations of a repeat performance.

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to repeat it anytime soon. I don’t score goals like that even in training,” he said.

For Nigeria, the result represents a frustrating conclusion to what had been a promising performance. The Super Eagles had been on course for victory before Wiśniewski’s intervention denied them all three points in what was a non-competitive fixture designed to prepare both sides for upcoming international commitments.

Attention for Eric Chelle‘s squad now shifts to their next major European challenge, a friendly against Portugal. That fixture carries added historical significance, as it will reportedly mark the first time Cristiano Ronaldo faces the Super Eagles. Nigeria’s camp has been boosted by the arrival of Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze ahead of that encounter.

The Poland versus Nigeria friendly served as a useful barometer for both nations as they continue preparations for future competitive campaigns. For Wiśniewski, regardless of the context, his late strike will remain a landmark moment in his international career — even if the celebration did not quite match the occasion.