Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has cautioned the team against errors as they prepare for their 2025 AFCON quarterfinal showdown against Algeria, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles and the Desert Warriors will clash in a last eight affair at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco on Saturday.
The clash is a repeat of the 2019 AFCON semifinal, when Riyad Mahrez struck a late free kick to give Algeria a 2-1 win on their way to a second African title.
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Both countries have a 100% record so far after winning all four of their matches, although Algeria faced a tougher route to qualifying from their Round of 16 affair.
The two-time champions breezed through Group E, recording convincing wins over Sudan and Equatorial Guinea, before having to go through extra-time to defeat DR Congo in the first knockout round.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have been equally impressive, dominating their opponents in all of their four matches in Morocco.
The Super Eagles dismantled Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16, keeping their first clean sheet at the tournament and also becoming the first team to score four times in a single match.
The three-time champions have also scored the most goals at the competition, with their 12 goals two more than Senegal who have scored 10 times.
Garba Lawal calls for focus among Super Eagles
Former international Garba Lawal, who was part of the famous 1996 Summer Olympics winning squad, has called for the team to maintain their focus to stand a chance of progressing to the next round.
The win over Mozambique was marred by an on-field altercation between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, which could have caused a division in the team on another day.
Speaking in an interview, he hailed the Super Eagles’ mentality so far and urged them to avoid making individual mistakes when they face Algeria.
“Nigeria have looked organised, disciplined and mentally strong. We have been going greatly from the group stage to the round of 16. Now, it’s very difficult and very tough to be in this stage. The days of the camp will get longer and the job on the pitch will be tougher”,Garba Lawal stated.
“We have looked good as a team now, so more importantly, we must avoid individual mistakes going forward. I see a well-organised team with great mentality and attitude, but they need to keep the focus at this stage because the other teams also have their chances.”
The Super Eagles will play away from the Fez Stadium for the first time on Saturday, with their clash against Algeria scheduled to hold by 5 PM at the Stade de Marrakech.
