Too Early To Say Nigeria Will Win Next Year’s AFCON- Garba Lawal

The three-time African champions are one of the favourites to win the biennial competition next year, but the ex-international believes it’s too early to start making predictions

Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has said that it’s too early to say Nigeria will win next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Lawal said this in a telephone chat with Soccernet. The Super Eagles finished third at the 2019 edition but have been tipped as one of the sides that could go all the way in Cameroon last year.

Gernot Rohr’s men finished their qualification campaign with a 3-0 win over Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The Super Eagles finished top of their group with four wins and two draws. And with the array of talents in the squad, Rohr is under pressure to bring home Nigeria’s fourth continental title next year.

However, Lawal has urged caution, saying other teams competing in the tournament will also be aiming to take home the gold.

“Hold on, let’s reach next year first,” Lawal told Soccernet when asked if the Super Eagles have what it takes to win next year’s Afcon.

“The way we are saying it is the way other countries that have qualified also saying it. Every country wants to win the nations cup.

“The most important thing is continuity and consistency from our players. It’s very important,” Lawal added.

The Super Eagles have been victorious on the continent three times, winning in 1980, 1994 and 2013.