Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa believes the Democratic Republic of Congo are capable of springing a major surprise when they return to the world stage this summer.
The Leopards secured their place at the 48-team tournament in North America after a dramatic qualification journey that saw them push past the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the African playoffs before eventually edge out Jamaica in the intercontinental play-offs.
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Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Lawal, a veteran of two World Cups with Nigeria offered his assessment of the Congolese chances and the vacuum left by Nigeria’s failure to qualify.
’No pressure’ on the Leopards
DR Congo has been drawn into a formidable Group K, where they will face heavyweight opposition in Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Despite the pedigree of their opponents, Lawal believes the Leopards’ status as “newcomers” is an advantage.
“Whether they go further or not, the most important thing is for them to go and enjoy themselves,” Lawal told Footy-Africa. “They are not the favorites. They should go there calmly and showcase their talents.”
“World Cup is the biggest tournament, and many big teams won’t be part of it. Italy lost on penalties and, uh, also Denmark lost on penalties. So you can see the pain on these players’ faces because they believe, some of them believe this is their last chance. World Cup happens every four years. That’s why you see players crying when they don’t make the World Cup, when they don’t make the team. So, I think it’s a good one for DR Congo to be there.”
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It has been over half a century since the nation last appeared at the finals as Zaire in 1974. Lawal, who scored in Nigeria’s famous 3-2 win over Spain in 1998 suggests this gap removes the burden of expectation.
“Well, whether they get out of the group or not, the most important is for them to go and enjoy themselves. They are not the favorites. So I believe they should not deceive themselves. They should go there calm and, and showcase their talents. There should be no pressure on them. Nobody will put an eye on them because they are like newcomers in the World Cup.”
African heavyweights to watch
With the continent’s representation expanded to ten teams, Lawal expects the established African powers to make significant inroads into the knockout stages.
When asked which teams he expects to carry the torch for the continent, Lawal pointed to technical quality and experience.
”I believe the top five or six countries… I expect them to go far,” he noted. “Most especially Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Tunisia. I expect them to go far because of the quality players they have.”
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Tournament without the Super Eagles
For Nigeria, the tournament represents a somber moment of reflection. Despite a squad filled with world-class players playing in top leagues, the three-time African champions will be absent from the world stage for the second edition running.
Lawal admits that the absence of the Super Eagles is a blow not just to Nigerians, but to the global tournament itself.
”It’s just unfortunate that the Super Eagles will not be there. I think the whole world will miss us,” Lawal said.
”Even FIFA wants us to qualify. It helps sell the image, the jerseys, the tickets. We will miss that. Playing at the World Cup is the highest level in football that you can reach. That is where the top, top players showcase their talent,” he concluded.
