Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has called on the Super Eagles to approach their upcoming friendlies against the Portugal national football team and Poland national football team with a clear purpose — rebuilding for the future.
Following recent setbacks, including failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lawal believes the fixtures present a timely opportunity to reset and begin shaping a new-look squad.
“This is the time to rebuild,” he said, stressing the need for forward-thinking decisions within the team.
Lawal pointed out that several players in the current setup are nearing the latter stages of their careers, making it essential to gradually introduce younger talents into the fold.
“Some players are getting older,” he noted, underlining the importance of transition.
The former winger urged the coaching crew to be deliberate in their selections, using the high-profile nature of the matches to test emerging players and expand squad depth.
For him, rebuilding is not about sweeping changes, but a steady process of integration — giving new players meaningful opportunities while maintaining balance within the team.
“It’s about continuity,” he explained.
Facing top European opposition, Lawal added, offers more than just competitive action. It provides a valuable benchmark to assess progress, expose weaknesses, and prepare the team for future tournaments.
As anticipation builds for the friendlies, Lawal’s message is clear: results matter, but the bigger picture matters more.
Because for Nigeria, this is not just about the next match it’s about the next generation.
