Garba Lawal Questions Super Eagles’ Mental Edge Ahead of AFCON 2025 Opener
Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has raised concerns over the Super Eagles’ readiness to conquer the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, suggesting that the current squad may be short on the “character and spirit” needed to lift the trophy.
The tournament kicks off on Sunday, with Nigeria set to begin their Group C campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday. While expectations remain high due to the team’s quality on paper, Lawal believes something deeper is missing.
Speaking to Filgoal, the former midfielder reflected on his own AFCON experiences between 2000 and 2006, where he won silver and bronze medals but never lifted the title.
“In Nigeria, we’re disappointed not to have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and we feel that the players don’t have the character and spirit to win the AFCON even though they’re a special generation,” Lawal said.
His comments come against the backdrop of Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the last AFCON, where the Super Eagles narrowly lost the final to hosts Côte d’Ivoire—a result that still lingers in the minds of fans.
Opinion: Talent Is Not Enough, Mentality Will Decide Nigeria’s Fate
Lawal’s remarks touch on a sensitive but important truth in football: talent alone doesn’t win tournaments. The Super Eagles boast one of the most gifted squads on the continent, filled with stars playing at the highest level in Europe. However, AFCON has always been a competition where mentality, unity, and resilience often outweigh flair.
The pain of missing out on the 2026 World Cup has clearly affected public confidence in the team. For many Nigerians, AFCON 2025 is not just another tournament—it is a chance at redemption. This is why questions around character and fighting spirit resonate strongly with fans.
That said, this same group has already shown it can reach the final on the biggest African stage. If the players can channel that experience, block out the noise, and rediscover the hunger that defined past Super Eagles teams, they could yet silence the doubters.
As the clash with Tanzania approaches, one thing is clear: AFCON 2025 will test not just Nigeria’s footballing quality, but its collective heart.
