Mr Garba Lawal has expressed worries about Gabon ahead of Nigeria's World Cup playoff on November 13.
Nigeria recorded four wins, five draws and one loss in the CAF qualification group C, with 17 points, while Gabon recorded six wins, three draws and one loss in the CAF qualification group F with 25 points.
The Super Eagles humiliated Benin Republic 4-0 in their final match of the qualifiers, while the Panthers beat Burundi 2-0.
Nigeria and Gabon will face off in the first semifinal of the playoff at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat at 5pm Nigerian time, per ESPN.
Lawal sends warning to Super Eagles
1996 Olympic gold medallist Garba Lawal said the playoffs will be very difficult for the Super Eagles.
According to BSN, the 51-year-old said Nigeria should have secured an automatic ticket during the qualifiers in the CAF qualification group C instead of going through the tedious process.
The Julius Berger legend said Gabon will pose a threat to Nigeria's chances of getting to the inter-continental playoffs.
He said:
🇳🇬 Garba Lawal Warns Super Eagles: World Cup Qualification Won’t Be Easy.
— Blaqsport (@blaqsport) October 31, 2025
Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has urged the Super Eagles to prepare for a tough road ahead in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lawal described the Intercontinental Playoff… pic.twitter.com/xnQwG1eoE3
"It is clear that the playoffs is going to be very tough because the best four teams in the qualifiers have emerged. It would have been much better if the Super Eagles had through the normal way than going through this long route.
"To imagine that after winning in Africa, they 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.”
"In my own opinion, I don't write Gabon off because they are a very good and organised team.
“In football, if you’re not organized, even with the best players, the team won’t function well. Every team in Africa is improving," per Brilanet.
