Former Nigeria international Dimeji Lawal has urged the Super Eagles to concentrate on their own performances in the World Cup qualifiers, stressing that FIFA’s points deduction against South Africa should not become a distraction.
Last week, FIFA docked three points from Bafana Bafana after irregularities involving player eligibility, boosting Nigeria’s chances in the qualification race. But Lawal insists the Super Eagles must not rely on external factors.
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“I was never in doubt that the deduction would come because rules are rules,” Lawal said. “But that is not what matters most. What matters is Nigeria doing its own part. We must focus on winning our matches because relying on other people’s mistakes is never a good plan in football.”
The former winger, who represented Nigeria at youth and senior level, stressed that the players must remain professional and committed. “This is an opportunity, yes, but it will mean nothing if we don’t win our remaining games. The truth is, we hold our destiny in our own hands. Beat the teams in front of you, and qualification is guaranteed.”
Lawal also called on fans to keep supporting the Super Eagles through what he described as a “critical moment.” “We need the fans behind the team. This is not the time for negativity. The boys know what is at stake, and with full focus, Nigeria will qualify.”
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face their next qualifying fixtures in the coming weeks, with the three-point deduction leaving the group wide open.
