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.

President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, Patrice Motsepe, has revealed that the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, will now take place every four years from 2028.

Since 1968, the tournament has been played every two years.

There was, however, a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.

The CAF president, who announced the change on Saturday, said that after the 2027 edition in East Africa and the next one in 2028, it will switch to a four-year cycle.

“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” Motsepe said.

“I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronized and harmonized.”