Former Tremendous Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal has warned that Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier towards Benin Republic is a must-win encounter that would decide the nation’s footballing future.
Talking forward of Tuesday’s essential match in Uyo, Lawal mentioned there is no such thing as a room for error or complacency, stressing that each participant should perceive the magnitude of the duty earlier than them.
“This isn’t simply one other recreation — this can be a battle for pleasure, for the jersey, and for our World Cup dream,” Lawal declared. “Each participant on that pitch should play prefer it’s the final recreation of their profession.”
Lawal, a veteran of a number of main tournaments for Nigeria, emphasised that the staff’s focus and composure will likely be key to overcoming Benin’s compact and bodily setup. “The technical crew should put together the gamers mentally. That is about self-discipline, teamwork, and tactical consciousness. You don’t win massive video games by emotion alone — you win them by intelligence.”
He additionally referred to as on the senior gamers within the squad to guide by instance, reminding them that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians will likely be watching and hoping. “This staff should present management. When issues get robust, that’s when true professionals rise. The youthful gamers will comply with their lead.”
The previous worldwide added that whereas Nigeria’s qualification destiny partly depends upon different outcomes, the fast focus have to be on securing three factors in any respect prices. “We can not management what occurs elsewhere,” he mentioned. “However we are able to management how we play. Win your recreation — that’s what issues.”
With strain mounting on the Tremendous Eagles to ship, Lawal’s phrases function each a warning and a name to arms for a staff determined to reignite nationwide pleasure.
