Former Nigeria international, Garba Lawal, has urged the Super Eagles to shut out distractions and focus solely on winning their remaining two matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking in a chat with journalists, Lawal emphasized that Nigeria’s qualification destiny will only be decided by their own performances, not by what happens elsewhere in the group.
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“The team doesn’t need to be worried about what Lesotho, South Africa, or Benin are doing,” he said. “We just have to take care of our own games and secure maximum points.”
Lawal stressed that Nigeria’s players must concentrate fully on collecting six points from the last two fixtures. “It will be fair and responsible to first do our job on the pitch. After that, we can hope other teams drop points. But depending on others is not the mentality of champions,” he added.
The former winger, known for his discipline during his playing days, urged the coaching crew to instill self-belief and composure in the team. “When you start watching what other countries are doing, you lose focus. Football is about control — focus on your lane and finish strong,” he advised.
With FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa giving Nigeria a mathematical lifeline, Lawal warned that such fortune would mean nothing if the Eagles fail to deliver on the pitch. “We have been given a second chance. Let’s not waste it on calculations or excuses. Win the games, then talk about qualifying,” he said firmly.
Lawal’s message comes at a time when optimism has returned to Nigerian football circles. For him, the formula remains simple: two games, six points, no distractions.
