Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has offered insight into why Paul Onuachu has found it difficult to replicate his club form with the Nigeria national football team.
Speaking on the challenges of international football, Lawal emphasized the stark contrast between club and national team environments, noting that limited preparation time often affects player performance.
“It’s important to remember that national team football is a different ball game,” Lawal said. “Even in my day, we had strikers like Jonathan Akpoborie, who struggled with the national team but would return to his club and score a brace or a hat-trick immediately.”
Onuachu, who has enjoyed prolific spells at club level, has faced criticism for not consistently delivering the same impact in Super Eagles colours.
However, Lawal believes the issue is not uncommon and should be viewed within the broader context of how international football operates.
According to the former winger, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of continuity and limited time available for players to adapt to tactical systems and build chemistry with teammates.
“At the club level, you have the luxury of time and consistent minutes to find your rhythm. With the national team, you don’t have time to gel; you might only get two or three sessions before a match,” he explained.
Lawal added that the pressure to deliver instantly at international level can be unforgiving. “If you don’t produce immediately, you risk being dropped,” he concluded.
His comments highlight the complexities faced by players like Onuachu, whose strengths may require a more structured system and consistent service—factors that are often easier to achieve at club level than on the international stage.
