Friendlies between India and Portugal can be very useful for the Super Eagles: Lawal

Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has called for the upcoming friendly matches to serve as a basis for rebuilding the national team.

Lawal also defended previous friendlies against Iran and Jordan, insisting that no opponent should be underestimated in modern football.

“The coach (Eric Chelle) decided to bring new faces to the team, which is good. We are not going to the World Cup, we are just preparing for AFCON 2027,” Lawal said.

“It’s good that we are already preparing for next year’s AFCON, those friendlies are quality matches, they cannot be underestimated.

“They are also progressing in football, there are no easy games. I think it’s four friendlies plus another two, so I think it’s good.”

Lawal emphasized that coach Eric Chelle must take advantage of the current period to introduce younger players into the team.

“As a coach (Eric Chelle) you start to build now, since we are not going to the World Cup because you say you don’t have time, now you have time to call the new faces that you think can improve the team.

“Some of these players are 28, 29, 30 years old. Some of these players are 28, 29, 30 years old, so if you want to build a team, now you have to start bringing in young players who are 21 and 22 years old.”

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Lawal’s position reflects the growing sentiment among fans and stakeholders that the team must begin a gradual transition.

Many believe this strategy will help build cohesion ahead of AFCON 2027 and ensure the team is prepared for the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.