Events
Exec Suites
It’s time up for Kanu – Lawal
Written by Duncan Tuesday, 29 June 2010
ShareFormer Super Eagles player, Garba Lawal has joined the league of Nigerian football fans who are calling on Eagles inspirational captain, Kanu Nwankwo to quit the stage now that a chunk of ovation is still left for him as far as his international career is concerned.
Although moments after the Eagles were eliminated from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he was reported to have called it quit with international football, in a swift reaction, the Eagles captain who played a single match for the team in South Africa denied such report as he said he was going on holiday with his family where he hopes to take a decision on his international future.
Speaking to Trustsports yesterday on phone, Lawal praised Kanu for contributing greatly to the development of Nigerian football but added that the legend should not forget that it is better to quit the stage when the ovation is loudest.
He said in his case, he did not wait for any body to advise him to quit the national team and he expects the Eagles captain to emulate some of them who left the national team honourably.
Lawal maintained that he played in only two World championships but resisted the temptation to continue the moment he discovered that it was time for him to make way for younger players to continue from where he stopped.
He said in Kanu’s case, he has played in three World championships and has won a lot of laurels for the country and so he should be ready to make room for younger players to take over from him.
“Retirement from international football is always a personal decision but I think the time for Kanu to quit the stage is now. He has done a lot for this country but he can not continue forever. He has attended three World championships and I feel he has seen it all. What else is he looking for?
“I played in only two World championships but when it was time for me to leave the stage, I did not wait for anybody to tell me. I took that decision and bowed out honourably. I just believe he will emulate some of us and quit now that the ovation is loud for him. He should not over stay his welcome”, he advised.
He however said Kanu has a right to remain in the national team as long as he wants and as long as whoever is in charge of the team finds him to be useful.
Lawal therefore said if the coach who is in charge of Eagles believes Kanu still has something to offer the team, he should be allowed to continue, if he is interested.
“Nobody should force Kanu to quit. Whether he stays or not depends on himself and whoever is in charge of the team. If he wants to stay and the manager believes he still has something to offer, he should not be forced out”.
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
