Former Tremendous Eagles midfielder Dimeji Lawal says Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon is additional proof that the staff has lastly developed the maturity and mentality required for top-level soccer, insisting the gamers now perceive that nothing in need of World Cup qualification is suitable.
Talking after the semi-final triumph in Rabat, Lawal stated the efficiency—significantly in additional time—confirmed a degree of composure and self-discipline that has been lacking lately. He defined that whereas Nigeria has by no means lacked expertise, the issue has usually been a scarcity of focus and psychological sharpness in decisive moments.
In response to him, Thursday night time’s response was “precisely what a giant staff ought to do.”
He stated the power to regroup emotionally after conceding a late equaliser from Mario Lemina within the 89th minute was an indication that the squad has grown considerably below Eric Chelle. “A youthful staff would have collapsed,” he stated. “However these boys saved their heads and performed their greatest soccer when it mattered most.”
Lawal added that gamers resembling Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi have now taken management duty significantly, whereas the introduction of youthful names like Benjamin Frederick and Akor Adams has added starvation to the group.
He harassed that the largest takeaway from the win is the shift in mentality. “They’re already considering forward, not celebrating like they’ve achieved something but,” he stated. “That’s the mindset nice groups have.”
Lawal urged the Eagles to stay calm, keep away from complacency and strategy Sunday’s last in opposition to DR Congo with the identical depth. He said that the staff should perceive that World Cup qualification is non-negotiable.
“Getting this far means nothing in the event that they don’t end the job,” he warned. “But when they play with the identical character they confirmed final night time, Nigeria will likely be within the intercontinental playoff—after which in the World Cup.”
