Lawal advises Rohr to start preparation against Algeria now

Former International, Garba Lawal, has described the Super Eagles victory over the Chipolopolo of Zambia, as fantastic, saying all that matters are the three points.

Goals from Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho ensured that Nigeria beat Zambia for the first time on home soil at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The victory puts the nation on top of Group B with three points after Cameroun and Algeria match ended 1-1.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Lawal said it did not matter how the Eagles played but that amassing the three points from the match is the desired result.

“At this point, you do not think about whether a team played well or not in a match. What matters to us now is how to amass the three points, which is crucial to us. We still have four important matches to play against Algeria and Cameroun.

“What we need now is full concentration, we should not give room for any error. By now, Coach Gernot Rohr should start thinking about how to play against the Algerians, our next opponents and later the Camerounians. I do not think there will be home advantage during these qualifiers. That is the reason why we need to prepare adequately for the Algerians and the Camerounians; these are matches that are going to be very tough for us,” he said.

Lawal described the errors in the defence lineup as part of the game, adding, “Carl Ikeme stood well for us against the Zambians. I counted at least three to four goal-bound opportunities for the Zambians that he saved us from. And errors noticed during the match from our defence lineup are inevitable in every match situation. But it has to be minimised if we are to qualify for the World Cup at the end of the day.”

Lawal, who, frowned at players choosing matches they want to play for the nation, even when they are not injured, said the attitude has always been there right from the days of late Coach Stephen Keshi.

“I am aware of some players that did not make it to Zambia because of injuries. But how about players, who pick on matches they want to appear for the country? This has been in existence even during the days of the late Coach Keshi. I do not think this is good for the country,” he lamented.