Former Nigerian midfielder Dimeji Lawal has urged the team to bounce back from World Cup disappointment and maintain focus on next month’s African Cup of Nations, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles suffered World Cup heartbreak on Sunday night, following their elimination from the CAF playoff final by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The three-time African champions could have sealed a spot in next year’s intercontinental playoffs with a win last Sunday, but the defeat ended their hopes of playing at the showpiece event.
Frank Onyeka gave them the lead early on, but the Leopards pulled one back through Meschack Elia.
The game went into penalties after no further goals, with DR Congo edging the ensuing shootout 4-3 to advance.
It also marked a second consecutive edition that the nation will miss out, after also failing to qualify for the Qatar 2022 edition, losing to Ghana in the final round of qualifying.
Despite being tagged favorites when the draw was made, Nigeria struggled for points in the early days of qualification and only four wins from their final six matches revived their hopes.
What Dimeji Lawal said after World Cup failure
Speaking in an interview, former Nigeria international Dimeji Lawal believes the team must overlook the disappointment of the World Cup and focus on the next task.
According to him, the team must repay the nation’s faith with a convincing performance at the African Cup of Nations.
“It’s sad that the Super Eagles will not be playing at the 2026 World Cup after that loss on penalties to DR Congo”, Lawal said.
“However, I expect the players to do everything to win the 2025 AFCON for Nigerians. They have done well to support the team and the best gift that can appease them is the AFCON title.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria are one of the favourites to win the competitions in Morocco.”
Can Nigeria win the AFCON title?
The Super Eagles will look to add a fourth title to their cabinet when the AFCON starts in Morocco in December.
They have been placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda and are massive favorites to advance from the group.
Nigeria’s squad boasts talent across all positions, from defense to attack, and they will be keen to keep their key players fit ahead of the tournament.
The nation narrowly missed out in 2024, losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast, but will be more than determined to claim their first title since 2013.
The AFCON tournament commences on the 21st of December, with a clash between hosts Morocco and Comoros.
