Former Tremendous Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal has urged the Nigerian nationwide staff to stay totally targeted and never underestimate any of their opponents following the AFCON 2025 group stage draw, which positioned the three-time African champions alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Chatting with reporters in Lagos, Lawal described the draw as “tough and unpredictable,” warning that not one of the groups needs to be written off.
“There are not any small groups in African soccer anymore,” he stated. “Tunisia are all the time disciplined and technically sturdy, Uganda have grown tremendously in recent times, and Tanzania are not any pushovers — they’ve improved loads and have gamers competing in good leagues.”
Lawal, who featured in a number of AFCON tournaments throughout his taking part in profession, stated that Nigeria should strategy the competitors with humility, focus, and laborious work in the event that they need to reclaim their continental dominance.
“Each staff will elevate their sport after they play Nigeria,” he famous. “We should match that power, put together properly, and keep away from complacency. On paper, folks will say Nigeria are favourites, however soccer isn’t performed on paper.”
He additionally backed head coach Eric Sekou Chelle to pick out gamers based mostly on kind and dedication relatively than repute, noting that consistency and teamwork can be essential.
“It’s not nearly massive names,” Lawal stated. “It’s about who can battle, who can keep self-discipline, and who is able to give the whole lot for the nation.”
Lawal echoed Tremendous Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong’s feedback that African soccer has develop into much more aggressive, stressing that the distinction between high sides and underdogs is now marginal. “The AFCON isn’t straightforward anymore,” he added. “It’s important to earn each win. I consider on this staff, however they must show it on the pitch.”
