Whoever Oliseh picks, we want quick return to success, says Lawal

AS the Super Eagles prepares for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, one of the former internationals, who seems unsettled by the list of players released by Coach Sunday Oliseh, is Garba Lawal.

Reasons: Oliseh left out arguably two of the best Nigerian players abroad, Victor Moses and Mikel Obi, as well as upcoming prolific striker, Odion Ighalo.

However, despite his misgiving on the omission of the three players, Lawal says he will no longer comment on team selection by national team coaches.

He told The Guardian that he will now be “just a spectator like every other Nigerian when it comes to the issue of the state of football in Nigeria.

“What will my advice do, it won’t do anything as far as Super Eagles matter is concerned. I am not going to criticise anybody again. When Coach Stephen Keshi was there, some people never liked my criticism. So, whoever that is there, as a coach and whatever list that he releases, it’s all well and good.”

Lawal, who played for Julius Berger FC and had successful times at Roda JC in the Dutch Eredivisie and Chinese side, Changsha Ginde, said: “Sunday Oliseh is the coach, and he decides on who he thinks should be invited to the team.

“My advice on the way forward will not achieve anything. All what we are praying for is to see him assemble a good team and return us to our pride of position in Africa.’’