Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has raised doubts about the Super Eagles' ability to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

An Olympic gold medalist with the 1996 Dream Team, Lawal enjoyed a decorated career, representing Nigeria at four Afcon tournaments between 2000 and 2006, and he's remembered for scoring match-winning goals against Ghana and Senegal.

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco, with the competition scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18.

Although Lawal never lifted the trophy, he recalled earning podium finishes with the Super Eagles.

"I participated in the Africa Cup of Nations four times between 2000 and 2006. It is the biggest tournament on the continent and we must respect it," he told Filgoal.

"I wasn’t lucky enough to win the title, but I did win the silver and bronze medals."

Lawal also stressed the importance of players honouring national team call-ups, warning that the absence of star players can diminish the prestige of the Africa Cup of Nations.

"It is important that players join their national teams when they are called up to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, because the absence of stars negatively affects the tournament."

Turning his attention to the current Super Eagles, Lawal expressed reservations about Nigeria's chances of winning the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, despite acknowledging the quality within the squad.

"In Nigeria, we are disappointed not to have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and we feel that the players do not have the character and spirit to win the Africa Cup of Nations, even though they are a special generation and they must fight for their country."

The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, alongside Tunisia and Uganda.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel