2026 World Cup: Ex-Super Eagles midfielder pits Neymar against Hakimi ahead of Group C opener

Former Super Eagles and Roda JC midfielder Garba Lawal has pitted Morocco's captain Achraf Hakimi to cause damage to Neymar's Brazil when both nations square up in the FIFA World Cup tonight, Soccernet.ng reports.

Brazil and Morocco were drawn into Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland, but the opener sees two of the favourite nations to qualify directly go head-to-head.

Carlo Ancelotti's side will be without Neymar, who's been sidelined with a calf injury. The news is a big boost for the Atlas Lions, who were crowned African Champions months after the AFCON 2025 final.

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Ex-Super Eagles star Garba Lawal backs Morocco to shock Brazil

Garba Lawal represented Nigeria at two World Cups, the 1998 edition in France and the 2002 edition in Korea/Japan. The 52-year-old played a key role in Nigeria's second goal against Spain.

Quizzed about what Morocco can do against Brazil, the former Santa Clara midfielder mentioned that the Atlas Lions did the unthinkable in Qatar and should not be underrated.

“Morocco in 2022 was fantastic,” Lawal told Footy-Africa.

“There are high expectations for them. People expect them to go far again. But it’s not going to be easy.

“Everybody knows Brazil in football. I believe it’s all about self-confidence, inner conviction and determination. If they can bring that, they can surprise the world.”

“If Brazil beat Morocco, it’s not a story, but if Morocco beat Brazil, it’s a massive story,” Lawal continued.

“Football is not mathematics. What you expect to happen doesn’t always happen.

“That’s why there are so many surprises in football. If they believe in themselves, they can win.”

Hakimi's effect, Vinicius and Neymar's impact

Achraf Hakimi was the CAF Player of the Year Award winner for 2025, having come off a treble-winning season with Paris Saint-Germain.

The former Borussia Dortmund defender was a crucial part of Luis Enrique's side as they won the UEFA Champions League again, joining Real Madrid on an elite list.

Lawal believes Hakimi will play a very important role if Morocco are to shock the five-time World Cup winners tonight.

“There are high expectations for him as well,” the two-time Dutch Cup winner continued.

“The team is looking forward to having him there. He has won the Champions League back-to-back, so you can see how far he can go.

“I believe people expect him to perform well at the World Cup.”

“The World Cup is a completely different ball game. It’s the highest level of football you can reach in your career.

“At the World Cup, you’re competing against the very best players in the world. Every country selects the players they believe are best suited for their team.”

While Neymar is 34-years-old and clearly past his best years, Lawal believes the former Barcelona attacker cannot be written off.

“Vinicius has a major role to play in that team. I believe Brazilians are looking up to him to help lead the team.

“You can never write Neymar off. What he has continued to do on the pitch is unbelievable.

“When his name was announced on the squad list, the whole country celebrated. That shows how much respect and admiration people have for him.

“Brazil has the quality to succeed, but they are not the only team with quality.

“Germany, England, France, Spain and many other countries have talented squads as well. That’s why it’s called the World Cup — the best of the best competing against one another,” the former Super Eagles midfielder concluded.

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The kick-off for the game between Brazil and Morocco is scheduled for 11:00 PM WAT.