Garba Lawal urges Éric Chelle to inject fresh blood into Super Eagles

Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has called on Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle to focus on integrating fresh talent into the squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nigeria is set to participate in the 2026 Unity Cup in London this May, featuring Zimbabwe, India, and Jamaica. The three-time AFCON winners will also face Poland and Portugal in international friendlies slated for June. These high-profile matches are organized to serve as a rebuilding ground for the Super Eagles ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

Speaking to Brila FM, Lawal urged Chelle to utilize these friendlies to integrate young prospects capable of succeeding the aging players in the national team.

GARBA LAWAL’S BLUEPRINT FOR SUPER EAGLES’ AFCON 2027 QUEST

Lawal applauded the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for securing quality opposition for the senior national team’s friendly schedule.

“The coach [Éric Chelle] decided to bring new faces into the team, which is good. Since we aren’t going to the World Cup, we are strictly preparing for the 2027 AFCON,” Lawal said.

“It’s positive that we are already preparing for next year’s tournament. Those friendlies are quality matches; you cannot underestimate them. They [the opposition] are also improving in football, and I believe there are no easy matches. With four friendlies plus another two on the horizon, I think it’s a great initiative.”

He further urged Chelle to take advantage of the current timeline to build a formidable squad.

“As a coach, you start building now. Since we aren’t going to the World Cup, you can no longer say you don’t have time; you now have the opportunity to call up the new faces you believe can improve the team.

“Some of these current players are 28, 29, or 30 years old. If you want to build a long-term team, now is the time to start bringing in young players who are 21 or 22.”

The Super Eagles recently concluded the 2025 AFCON (held in Morocco in January 2026) with a bronze medal.