Garba Lawal Calls For Squad Refresh After Super Eagles World Cup Loss
Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has called for a revamp of the Super Eagles squad following the national team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria fell short after a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo, with the Congolese securing a 4-3 win after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
This marks the second consecutive World Cup that the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for, following their absence from the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The disappointing result has sparked calls from fans and pundits for changes, particularly concerning the age and performance of several senior players.
Lawal, who represented Nigeria in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, believes it is the right time for a squad refresh. Speaking on Brila FM, he said:
“Fresh legs should come into the Super Eagles because some of the current players are aging. And if you want to bring in the fresh legs, it has to be now.”
His message underlines the need for a balance between experience and youth as Nigeria looks to rebuild for the future.
With the World Cup dream over, the Super Eagles will now turn their attention to next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. They are set to face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda, providing an opportunity for new talents to step up and reinvigorate the squad ahead of the continental tournament.
Lawal’s call for change reflects a broader consensus that Nigeria must act swiftly to ensure long-term competitiveness on the international stage.
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