Garba Lawal’s advice for Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Dec 08, 2017. 11:00

Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal says Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr must focus on his players’ mental approach ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Lawal, who represented Nigeria at the 1998 and 2002 tournaments, believes Nigeria will face a tough challenge in Group D at Russia 2018.

“Football is all about playing as a team,” Lawal said, as quoted by Allnigeriasoccer.

“When it comes to the World Cup, it depends on player’s mental attitude.”

“All the top scouts in the world would be present, so if you are called upon by the coach, try to showcase your talent, because you never can say, you could get yourself a better deal.

“Iceland and Croatia are forces to be reckoned with, the group is not only about Argentina.”

“I believe we are going to come out of the group, but it is not going to be an easy one anyway.

“It depends on the player’s mental attitude.”

The former Levski Sofia midfielder also advised Rohr not to make too many changes to the team which secured qualification for the finals.

“All the teams that qualified for the World Cup are tough, there is no easy country in there,” explained Lawal.

“When it comes to the World Cup, everyone is good and wants to parade her best side.

“You should not think you’ll change the players that qualified and bring another set of players, it is going to be difficult like that.

“So the coaches should know the key positions that they think they need fresh legs. All the games are going to be very tough.”