Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa expressed belief that Nigeria have enough quality to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, insisting the team must aim for nothing less after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lawal, who earned 56 caps for Nigeria and was part of the historic Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold-winning squad, reacted to the release of the 54-man provisional list with confidence, suggesting with the talent in the squad the team can go all the way to win a fourth African title.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle announces his Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad. pic.twitter.com/Y5WNgVIQ4b
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 2, 2025
According to the former Roda JC star, the disappointment of failing to reach the World Cup should serve as fuel for Eric Chelle’s side as the Super Eagles return to the continental stage.
“The players know what is at stake,” he said in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa. “After missing the World Cup, the AFCON is the one competition they must take very seriously. They have the ability to challenge anyone in Africa and go all the way.”
Nigeria finished as runners-up in the last edition in the Ivory Coast, and Lawal believes that experience will benefit the squad. He noted that many of the key players who impressed in 2024 are still in their prime and capable of producing another strong run.
“Getting to the final in the Ivory Coast showed the world what Nigeria can do,” Lawal added. “This team is full of talent, and I believe what they need now is focus and belief. If they approach every match with the right mentality, they can return to the final and win it.”
Much of Lawal’s confidence comes from the firepower Nigeria possess in attack, led by Napoli forward Victor Osimhen. The former midfielder believes Osimhen’s presence gives the Super Eagles a genuine edge over most teams on the continent.
“With Osimhen in the squad, Nigeria always have a chance against other countries, as he has proven over and over again,” he said. “He is one of the best strikers in the world, and he can make the difference in tight games. If he is fit and in good form, Nigeria can go far, even all the way to the title.”
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Lawal also urged the coaching crew to build a solid structure around the team’s experienced players, while giving younger talents room to shine.
“You can see from the provisional list that there is a good mix of youth and experience,” he said. “If the coaches blend them well, Nigeria will be very difficult to stop.” he added.
