Former Under-23 international Mohammed Lawal has thrown his weight behind the Super Eagles Chan squad ahead of the 4th Caf/Africa Nations Championship in Rwanda.
Former Under-23 international Mohammed Lawal has thrown his weight behind the Super Eagles Chan squad ahead of the 4th Caf/Africa Nations Championship in Rwanda.
The competition starts next month in Kigali with the Super Eagles in Group B of the competition alongside Tunisia, Niger and Guinea.
Lawal, who is now based in South Africa, cheered the Super Eagles at the last edition in the Southern African nation as Nigeria claimed bronze in 2013.
The former Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC) and Nigerdock striker feels the Eagles can go a step further to claim the title if the team and its handlers apply themselves properly.
"I believe it’s time we take these Chan tournaments more serious and dominate it,”Lawal told supersport.com"Our local boys are capable of doing it. I support them all the way. They can do it.
"If we get the right mix and blend of the players assembled and prepare well, I have no doubt we can compete with even the main national teams of most countries and not just the local based national teams.
"All they need is the opportunity and solid preparation. If they do that, I believe the sky will be the limit for the players.
When asked if he thinks this current squad can do better than the class of 2013 and go further to win the tournament, Mohammed enthused that the squad has the potential to win the tournament.
"In my opinion, the last set, the class of 2013, whom I followed and supported when they played the tournament at my base here in South Africa, is more experienced than this current group,” Lawal said.
"That said, I believe this present crop has the potential to go past the bronze medal and win the title. It is possible.
"The coaches need to work extremely hard on the organisational play of the team and we will be good.
"There is no country in Africa that has the kind of talent we have locally. We have tons of talent in abundance in Nigeria.
"All we need is the right organisation and coaching. If we can achieve that, Nigeria will not only be a football powerhouse in Nigeria but the world,” he added.