Former Nigeria international Dimeji Lawal has said there are too many overhyped players in the Super Eagles.
Lawal made the claim following the Super Eagles’ humiliating 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, on matchday 2, 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifier in Group L on Tuesday.
Goals from Franculino Dju, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo secured the dominant win for Guinea-Bissau, who maintain top spot on six points.
For the Super Eagles, they are in second position on three points while Madagascar and Tanzania each has one point.
Reacting to the defeat, Lawal posited that most of the foreign-born players in the Super Eagles cannot cope with the physicality of African football.
“We have too many overhyped players and a country that goes after every foreign-born, once we see players with Nigerian name we run after them,” Lawal said on BRILA Media. “We are talking about African football which is quite different from European football, that’s one of the basic problems we’ve been having and will continue to have.”
Also Read: 2027 AFCONQ: ‘This Is Not The End’ — Chelle Optimistic Despite Humiliating Loss To Guinea-Bissau
The 1989 FIFA U-20 World Cup silver medal winner with the Flying Eagles stated that former Super Eagles stars had strong African football background before playing in Europe.
“In the days of Austin Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, they had African football background before mixing it with European football. But what do we have now, we just around after players who have never set their legs on our soil to come and play African football, you think African football is easy?”
On the issue of minnows in football, Lawal said:”For a very long time I knew there was nothing like push overs anymore and when you look at the results it shows if you don’t hold your own you will find it very difficult.”
The Super Eagles will be back in action in the qualifiers on November 11 when they will host Tanzania in Uyo on matchday 3.
By James Agberebi
