Former Super Eagles star Garba Lawal has expressed confidence that Nigeria can qualify from Group L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, while warning the team against complacency.
Reacting to the CAF qualifying draw, Lawal admitted that Nigeria appears to have landed a favourable group, but stressed that African football has become far more competitive in recent years.
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“It may look like an easy group, but nothing is easy anymore,” Lawal said.
According to the former Super Eagles midfielder, several African nations have improved significantly and should no longer be underestimated.
“Other countries are developing very fast,” he implied.
Lawal urged the players to approach every qualifying match with full seriousness, especially after Nigeria’s failure to secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
“The players must give their best every time,” he noted.
The former international also stressed the importance of maintaining focus and professionalism throughout the qualification campaign.
“No game should be taken for granted,” he added.
Nigeria’s qualification group has already generated optimism among supporters hoping to see the Super Eagles return strongly on the continental stage.
“The team has enough quality to qualify,” many football observers believe.
For Lawal, however, talent alone will not guarantee success if the squad loses concentration.
“Focus and commitment will be key,” he stressed.
For the former Super Eagles star, the message is clear.
Respect every opponent.
Avoid complacency.
And approach the qualifiers with maximum seriousness.
Because modern African football no longer has guaranteed easy victories.
