Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has advised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to focus on integrating fresh, young players into the team ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria is set to play in the Unity Cup against Zimbabwe, India, and Jamaica in London this May, followed by friendlies against Poland and Portugal in June. Lawal, speaking with Brila FM, said these matches offer the perfect chance to begin rebuilding the squad.
“The coach decided to bring new faces—that’s good. We aren’t going to the World Cup, we are preparing for AFCON 2027,” Lawal said.
He praised the Nigeria Football Federation for arranging quality opponents.
Lawal stressed that many current players are 28 to 30 years old. “If you want to build a team, now is the time to bring in players who are 21 and 22,” he added.
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