Super Eagles need new players - 2-time World Cup star tells NFF
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Nigeria Super Eagles Photo: Imago

Super Eagles need new players - 2-time World Cup star tells NFF

Hassan Abdulsalam 09:42 - 18.11.2025

Garba Lawal says Super Eagles need fresh legs

Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has urged the national team to introduce "fresh legs" following the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria's hopes of reaching the tournament, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, were dashed after a penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Congolese team advanced to the Intercontinental playoffs after securing a 4-3 victory on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

This latest setback marks the second consecutive time the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the World Cup, having also missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The disappointing campaign has led to widespread calls for an overhaul of the squad, with fans and pundits questioning the performance and age of several key players.

What Lawal said

Lawal, who represented Nigeria at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, echoed these sentiments, stating that the time is right for a squad refresh.

“Fresh legs should come into the Super Eagles because some of the current players are aging,” Lawal said in an interview on Brila FM.

He added, “And if you want to bring in the fresh legs, it has to be now.”

With their World Cup dreams over, the team's focus now shifts to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month, where they are scheduled to face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.