World Cup Playoff Warning: Garba Lawal Says ‘Gabon Can Shock Nigeria

World Cup Playoff Warning: Garba Lawal Says ‘Gabon Can Shock Nigeria

By BSN Sports 

Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has cautioned the Super Eagles to brace for a difficult challenge in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Intercontinental Playoff route as tough and unpredictable, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking with Brila.net, the ex-international said it would have been easier for Nigeria to qualify directly through the African group stage rather than face a longer and more uncertain playoff process.

 “It’s very tough,” Lawal said. “It would have been better if we had qualified through the normal way than going through this long route. It’s not straightforward after winning in Africa, you still have to play a team from Asia or South America. Even if you win the CAF playoff, you must also win the global one. It’s not a small task at all.”

Lawal, who featured in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups, also expressed concern over the growing competitiveness of African football, warning that Gabon could pose a major threat to Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

 “I don’t write Gabon off; they’re a very good and organized team,” he said. “In football, if you’re not organized, even with the best players, the team won’t function well. Every team in Africa is improving.”

Recalling his recent work with the WAFU B Technical Study Group in Abidjan, the former Olympic gold medallist noted the rapid progress of youth teams on the continent.

 “When I watched Niger’s U17 team play Ghana in the semi-final, they were better until a red card cost them. That shows how competitive African football has become,” he explained.

On AFCON 2025 Group Challenge

Lawal also commented on Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) prospects, urging the Super Eagles not to underestimate their group opponents, including Lesotho and Uganda.

“Our group isn’t easy. Some people said Lesotho would be easy, but we struggled to beat them 2–1. Uganda are even stronger. There are no easy games in African football,” he said.

Lawal, who earned 57 caps for Nigeria and featured in four AFCON tournaments, emphasized that success on the continent now requires preparation, focus, and consistency.