Former Super Eagles star Garba Lawal has sent a strong message to the latest crop of invited players to the national team, urging them to seize their opportunity and prove they deserve to wear the famous green and white jersey.
With Nigeria looking to rebuild and strengthen its squad following recent mixed performances, fresh faces have been handed the chance to impress. But Lawal has made it clear that selection alone is not enough performance is everything.
According to him, the new invitees must give a “good account” of themselves if they are to justify their inclusion and remain part of the team moving forward.
He stressed that playing for the Super Eagles is not just an honour, but a responsibility that comes with intense scrutiny and expectations from millions of passionate fans.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s outing at the last Africa Cup of Nations, Lawal noted that while there were positives, there are still clear areas that require improvement.
He believes the coaching crew is working to make the team more competitive, but that progress depends heavily on the players stepping up when given the chance.
“This is an opportunity they must not waste,” he implied, highlighting the competitive nature of the national team setup where places are never guaranteed.
Lawal also warned that the pressure associated with playing for Nigeria can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. From media attention to fan expectations, every performance is closely monitored, and a single mistake can quickly shift public perception.
However, he encouraged the players to embrace the challenge rather than fear it. In his view, those who rise to the occasion under pressure are the ones who go on to have long and successful international careers.
With upcoming fixtures providing a platform for these players to showcase their abilities, all eyes will be on how they respond. For many, this could be the beginning of something special, or a missed opportunity that may not come again.
In Nigerian football, talent opens the door, but only performance keeps it open.
