NPFL AGM: Garba Lawal Urges Resilience, Tactical Discipline As New Season Approaches

B:y Arinzechi Chukwunonso

As the countdown to the new Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season begins, former Super Eagles star and Olympic gold medalist, Garba Lawal, has delivered a bold and thoughtful assessment of the state of Nigerian football. Speaking during the NPFL Annual General Meeting (AGM), Lawal touched on issues ranging from player development and domestic league performance to the national team’s struggles and the urgent need for sponsorship in Nigerian football.

The ex-international, who now serves as General Manager of Kada Warriors, a club in the Nigeria National League (NNL), said it was time for stakeholders to show serious commitment if the league is to rise to international standards.

Garba Lawal called on foreign-based players and ex-internationals to return to the NPFL, even if only briefly, citing examples from South Africa, Brazil, and North Africa.

“It’s a positive development when seasoned players come back home. Even if it’s just for a season or half-season, it will raise the quality of the league,” Lawal said. “Of course, when you are aging, the body won’t allow you to train every day like before, but experience matters a lot.”

Lawal highlighted the consistent presence of North African clubs at the FIFA Club World Cup, noting that Nigerian clubs must improve their performance in CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup to stand any chance of achieving similar feats.

“To get to the Club World Cup, you must first dominate Africa. That comes through strong showings in continental tournaments. The league must prepare teams thoroughly, identify weak departments, and build from there.”

Addressing the league’s current sponsorship drought, Lawal was candid.

“When SuperSport came to Nigeria in the past, nobody begged them—they came on their own because they saw something. Sponsors follow interest. If there’s no passion or professionalism, they won’t come.”

He added that the private sector must be encouraged to see football as an investment, not just charity.

Turning his attention to the Super Eagles’ recent underwhelming performances, Lawal expressed concern over what he described as a lack of resilience and mental strength among the current generation.

“We have the individual talents scattered across Europe, but talent alone is not enough. What we are lacking is resilience, the drive to win. During my time, we worked hard, we played with discipline, and we fought with heart,” said the 1996 Olympic gold medalist.

When asked about Nigeria’s stuttering World Cup qualification campaign, Lawal replied:

“They [the players] got themselves into this; they must get themselves out. I believe they understand the importance of qualifying. I’ve been to the World Cup twice—I know how it feels.”

Lawal dismissed the notion that players over 30 should automatically retire from international duty.

“You don’t play just to please fans. You play because you have something to offer. Age is just a number if your body can still deliver,” he said.

In a surprising revelation, Lawal shared that he once worked at Nigeria Union Bank before pursuing football full-time.

“I resigned from banking at 21 to follow my conviction. It was tough, but it paid off. I joined Julius Berger FC and fought hard to prove myself, even among 60 players signed at once,” he recalled.

Coaching, Management, and the Kaduna Football Decline

Although now in football management, Lawal revealed he previously coached Red Stars and still remains active in technical discussions at Kada Warriors.

However, he lamented the decline of organized football in Kaduna State, a region once regarded as a football powerhouse.

“Back in the 80s and 90s, Kaduna had over 20 active clubs. Today, that number has drastically dropped. It’s not about money—it’s about interest and passion. If people in leadership positions lack those, football will suffer.”

Asked about his most memorable achievement, Lawal pointed to Nigeria’s historic 1996 Olympic gold medal in Atlanta.

“That was special. Nobody gave us a chance, but we proved everyone wrong.”

When asked if he has ambitions to coach the national team, Lawal smiled and said:

“Time will tell. I have the ambition, just like you might have the ambition to be an editor or publisher. When you believe in yourself, everything becomes possible.”