U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Can Beat Italy, Brazil-Garba Lawal

U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Can Beat Italy, Brazil-Garba Lawal 

By Gbenga Gboyega 

Former Nigerian player and current coach Garba Lawal, shared his insights on the current campaign of the Flying Eagles at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina, on a sports show on radio with Brila FM, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The 49-year-old Olympic Gold medalist who starred with Nigeria's Dream Team in Atlanta 96' is currently in Argentina, gearing the team to progression. 

While on the program, the host Godwin Enakhena quizzed Lawal on the team conceding the first goal in the opening fixture. 

Host - "When Nigeria conceded against Dominican Republic, what went through your mind?" 

Lawal - "I believe we equalized the goal with the mind that time is not on our side, every country knows how to play football. I watched Uzbekistan against Argentina, and saw how they played, that shows football is changing.

"Dominica Republic as well are not a bad team, so that's why when we conceded the penalty, coming off a mistake from our defender. And you know it took VAR to capture the incident, so you see, anything can happen in football."

On the same day in another center, Italy defeated Brazil 3 goals to 2, which led to the next question on the odds in favor of Nigeria against their next opponent - Italy U-20.

Host -"What must we do against the Italians?" 

Lawal - "Bosso was present at their game, and saw how they played (against Brazil). They are tactically sound and disciplined. 

"They play different formations and system, and are good on the counter, because they are everywhere.

"They have good quality in different positions, and those are the players we should be focused on.

"It's going to be a tough game." 

Host - "As a coach and former player, how far can the Flying Eagles go?" 

Lawal - "For real, we can beat Italy and Brazil. But we have to be very careful and avoid costly mistakes.

"When you make costly mistakes in big games, you pay the price, and there's no coming back.

"They know Nigeria is a good side that has produced a lot of quality players over time, but nevertheless this is the time for the players to think of their abilities." 

Lawal also had a dose of advice for the youngsters on how they can position themselves for a successful career ahead. 

"If you want to change your life as a young player, this is the avenue to do so, at the World Cup. People in different countries around the world watch the World Cup. 

"We need to be compact in the games against Italy and Brazil, with no room for mistakes that will cost the team.

"When you loose guard at any time, they can capitalise, because they are quality teams."

Godwin, who hosted the show on Brila FM voiced the concerns of Nigerian fans who don't rate the current crop of U20 squad, while asking if Lawal agrees. 

Lawal - "As a fan of Nigeria, you have a right to your opinion. Because their reactions are based on what they see.

"The coaches select the players, and there's nothing the fans can do. We just have to wait and see how far the coach's selection can go.

"You remember when I was still playing, at the Olympics (1996), we played a friendly against Togo in Lagos, and lost 3-1. Nobody gave us the chance, because that squad was smart, knowing what they have and what they want.

"So the players themselves can change the rhythm, as long as they can believe in themselves."

Nigeria face Italy next, then Brazil to wrap up the Group stages.