A former Super Eagles winger, Garba Lawal, has cast serious doubts on Nigeria's ability to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025. The ex-international delivered a blunt assessment of the current squad's mentality, suggesting a critical lack of patriotic spirit could derail their campaign in Morocco.
Lawal's Stark Warning on Team Spirit
According to the 51-year-old legend, who earned 45 caps for Nigeria, the present generation of players, while talented, does not possess the necessary character to triumph on the continental stage. Lawal featured in four AFCON tournaments between 2000 and 2006, winning silver and bronze medals but never lifting the trophy. He pointed directly to the lingering disappointment from the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a major psychological hurdle.
"Nigerians feel that the players do not have the character and spirit to win the 2025 AFCON," Lawal stated. He acknowledged the squad is a "special generation" but emphasized that they "must fight for their country." His comments highlight a growing concern among fans and pundits about the team's commitment following the painful 4-3 playoff defeat to DR Congo in November, which sealed their World Cup fate.
Chelle's Mixed Record and the AFCON Challenge
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, are preparing for the tournament under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle. The Franco-Malian tactician has had a mixed tenure since taking over. On a positive note, he guided the team to victory in the 2025 Unity Cup in London, defeating Ghana and Jamaica. His overall record stands at seven wins, three draws, and two losses in 11 months.
However, the failure to reach the World Cup and a recent 1-0 friendly loss to Egypt in Cairo have raised questions. The 35th edition of AFCON is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. Nigeria finds itself in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, a draw that appears manageable on paper but will require maximum focus.
The Club vs. Country Dilemma
Lawal also identified a modern challenge facing the tournament: the conflict with club commitments. He argued that the prestige of AFCON is sometimes diminished when top stars prioritize their European clubs, which negatively impacts the competition's quality. "It is important that players join their national teams when they are called up," he insisted, stressing the need for respect for the continent's premier football event.
Despite the concerns, there are bright spots for the Super Eagles. UEFA recently highlighted Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman ahead of the tournament, following his stunning hat-trick for Atalanta in the 2024 Europa League final. Such individual brilliance will be crucial if Nigeria is to silence critics like Lawal and mount a serious challenge for a fourth AFCON crown.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, has already rallied the team, urging them to rise to the occasion. As the countdown to Morocco continues, the Super Eagles must now convert their undeniable talent into a unified, spirited campaign to prove their legendary predecessor wrong.
