Former Nigeria midfielder Garba Lawal in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has warned the Super Eagles against complacency as they prepare to face Mozambique in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations, urging the team to maintain focus and build on their impressive group-stage form.
Despite Nigeria’s strong showing so far, Lawal, who represented the country at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup, has cautioned that the knockout stages demand a different level of concentration and intensity.
“I was very impressed with what they did in the group stage but they must not be complacent or even underrate the Mozambicans,” the former Roda JC midfielder exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“The team has really done well in winning all their games so far. It reminds me of what we did in 2022 in Cameroon but we must now be careful so that what happened then will not happen again,” he added, referencing Nigeria’s shock exit at that tournament.
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Lawal acknowledged the progress made by the current squad under head coach Eric Chelle, particularly the depth on display during the group stage.
“The team has been improving with every game and we also have squad depth as we saw against Uganda but now, it is the knockout stages. The team must be ready,” he said.
While largely satisfied with Nigeria’s attacking options and midfield balance, Lawal highlighted areas that need attention ahead of the clash with Mozambique.
“I am okay with the midfield and attack but we must improve in the defensive areas against Mozambique who are very quick,” he warned.
Still, the former international remains confident that the Super Eagles can advance if they approach the game with the right mindset.
“I believe we will defeat them but the boys must be fired up for it. I wish them all the best,” Lawal concluded.
Nigeria arrive at the knockout phase in high spirits after a flawless Group C campaign that saw them record three consecutive victories.
The Super Eagles opened their tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tanzania, followed by an entertaining 3-2 triumph against Tunisia, before sealing top spot with a convincing 3-1 victory over Uganda.
Finishing first in the group means Nigeria will remain at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès, where they played all three group matches, as they welcome Mozambique, who progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
Monday’s Round of 16 encounter will kick off at 8pm on 5 January in Fès. Mozambique head into the tie after a mixed group campaign, having lost their opener to defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, bounced back with a crucial win over Gabon, and then fallen narrowly 2-1 to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions.
