Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has described the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as “very, very difficult” following their unexpected defeat to Benin Republic.

Lawal expressed his disappointment over the outcome of the match, which saw Nigeria lose control despite initially leading the game.

Reflecting on the match, Lawal lamented the missed opportunity.

“No one is happy about the whole thing. We lost the game,” Lawal stated. “The game that we shouldn’t have lost, we had control of the game.

“We scored first. And then we lost the rhythm of the game. So maybe, he’s (Finidi George) the only one that can explain how they lost the game. Because when you score first, at least you have the rhythm of the game. At least you score first. But at the end of the day, the game slipped from our hands.”

Lawal highlighted the Super Eagles’ inability to maintain their lead, noting the rapid succession of goals conceded.

“We conceded two goals in two minutes. It’s really sad, really sad.”

Acknowledging the pressures and expectations in football, Lawal emphasized the importance of results.

“Football is all about results. You know, when you don’t have that result, anyone will criticize you.

“But I say, he [the coach] has to take it in a good way. That’s what he can do. He just has to try to see in the next games how we are going to win those games. But it’s going to be very, very difficult.”