Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has expressed concerns that the current Super Eagles squad lacks the necessary “character and spirit” to win the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco.

The 2025 AFCON commences today, Sunday, with the Super Eagles set to face Tanzania in their opening match on Tuesday in Group C.

“I participated in the AFCON 4 times between 2000 and 2006,” Lawal told Filgoal.

“I was not lucky enough to win the AFCON trophy, but I did win the silver and bronze medals.

“In Nigeria, we’re disappointed not to have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and we feel that the players don’t have the character and spirit to win the AFCON even though they’re a special generation.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria finished runner-up in the last edition of the AFCON, after losing to Ivory Coast in the final.

Former Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, has named Brazil as the country to beat in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

But he believes that Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal is the country that could beat Brazil to win the World Cup.

Ferguson sees Brazil, now managed by former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, as one of the favorites for the title.

He believes the South American football powerhouse has all it takes to win the World Cup.

Ferguson, who dominated the Premier League for many years, told Press Box PR how he worked with Brazilian twin, Rafael and Fabio at Manchester United.

“Portugal have got good players. I always think of Brazil at the World Cup. The Brazilian players—I had the two young lads, twins, Rafael and Fabio,” he said.

“I think whoever beats Brazil will win the World Cup.”

Argentina defeated France to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with the focus being on two superstars from Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

Etim “African Maradona” Esin was a footballer whose raw talent shook Nigeria. Long before social media, stadiums filled to capacity across the country just to watch him play. Many even believed he was more skillful and better than Austin JJ Okocha.

He dazzled for Calabar Rovers and earned a place in Nigeria’s squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
But on a fateful night in camp, he broke curfew to go clubbing in Surulere, Lagos. On his way back, armed robbers attacked him and shot him in the thigh. His World Cup dreams—and his rising career—collapsed instantly.

Yet, despite his condition, the NFF treated him and still took him to the tournament half-fit, something unheard of in professional football.

It was said the same robbers returned to apologize, saying they didn’t know he was Etim Esin.

Although Nigeria performed poorly, his talent was undeniable. He was called up to the Super Eagles and secured a professional contract in Belgium. The national team was even being built around him.

Not long after arriving in Europe, Stephen Keshi—then a senior player—warned him about the danger of getting involved with foreign women, as false rape allegations against Black players were common.

But Etim did not listen. Soon, he was accused of raping a minor, a scandal so serious that he fled Belgium to avoid prison, abandoning his contract and his European future.

The allegation shut the doors of the Super Eagles and Europe forever. He couldnot go to USA’94 World Cup.

He returned to the Nigerian league, but his career never recovered. His fall created the space for Austin JJ Okocha to rise and become a legend.

Twenty-five years later, the allegation of rape was finally proven to be false. But the damages had already been done, his career and future destroyed forever.

Today, Etim Esin lives quietly in Akwa Ibom State, largely forgotten by Nigerian football. And I know that sometimes, as he sits alone, he must be wondering “What If? ” What Could Have Been?”

Indiscipline has destroyed many stars. Etim Esin remains one of the clearest examples of a destiny that slipped away.