Former Super Eagles winger Garba Lawal has urged the national team’s coaching crew to use the upcoming high-profile friendlies against Portugal national football team and Poland national football team as a launching pad for rebuilding the squad.
With Nigeria looking to recover from recent disappointments, Lawal believes these matches present a crucial opportunity to begin shaping the future of the team.
“This is the time to rebuild,” he said, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.
According to the former international, the current squad includes several players who are approaching the later stages of their careers, making it necessary to start introducing younger talents.
“Some players are getting older,” he noted, highlighting the need for gradual transition.
Lawal stressed that the coaching staff must be intentional in using these friendlies to test new players and expand the team’s options.
“This is the moment to try new faces,” he implied.
For him, rebuilding is not about making drastic changes overnight, but about carefully integrating fresh talent while maintaining balance within the squad.
He believes that giving younger players opportunities now will allow them to gain experience and grow into key roles in the future.
“It’s about continuity,” he said.
The upcoming matches against strong European opposition also provide a valuable test, allowing the team to measure its progress and identify areas for improvement.
For Lawal, such games are essential for development, as they expose players to higher levels of competition.
As the Super Eagles prepare for these fixtures, expectations will be high.
But for Lawal, the focus should go beyond results.
Because in football, friendlies are not just about winning.
They are about building.
And for Nigeria, that process must begin now.
