Former Nigerian midfielder Martins Ekwueme has admitted that it is difficult to predict Nigeria's starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Poland, citing the introduction of new players into the Super Eagles setup.
The Super Eagles have suffered a number of setbacks ahead of the friendly, with key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman not available for selection.
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, who are considered part of Nigeria's ideal starting lineup, were still absent from camp as of Monday evening, while Ola Aina and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were not named in the squad for the June fixtures.
Speaking to Przegląd Sportowy, Ekwueme believes the friendly against Poland presents an important opportunity for manager Eric Chelle to assess new players in a high-profile fixture.
"I'd love to see a match like this at the World Cup. The circumstances are different, though; it'll be a test run. For Nigeria, it's a good match to test the players the coach wants to bring into the squad. They'll have a chance to show off against a strong national team," Ekwueme explained.
He noted that recent changes to the squad have made it more difficult to predict the starting lineup.
"Especially since, due to the lack of promotion, there are some changes, and new faces have appeared. That's why it's hard for me to predict what kind of lineup Nigeria will play against Poland.
"Regardless of who plays, both teams have strong rosters on paper. The players play in great leagues."
Ekwueme has been a Polish citizen since 2016 and enjoyed a journeyman career across the country, featuring for fifteen different Polish clubs.
His long list of teams includes Jeziorak Iława, Polonia Warsaw, Wisła Kraków, Legia Warsaw, Zagłębie Lubin, Zawisza Bydgoszcz, Flota Świnoujście, LZS Piotrówka, Falubaz Zielona Góra, Górnik Polkowice, Lechia Zielona Góra, KS Legnickie Pole, AKS Strzegom, Korona Kożuchów and Odra Ścinawa.
Ekwueme did not attend Nigeria's 1-0 win over Poland in March 2018 due to club commitments.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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