Former Nigeria international, Garba Lawal, says that Brazil are still reeling from their shock 4-3 defeat to Nigeria in the semi-final of the Atlanta 1996 Olympic football event.
A brace from Nwankwo Kanu saw Nigeria comeback from two-goal down to win the epic encounter and 23 years after, both teams are poised to clash in Singapore on October 13 in an international friendly and Lawal admits the game cannot be taken for granted.
“It was a fantastic move by both Federations to arrange this friendly game. I believe whenever we want to play Brazil in any football match, they always come with their best players and that was evident in Tite’s squad for the game.
“They are still suffering from that defeat at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic games where we beat them 4-3 and most of them still carry the pain around.
“We defeated them (Brazil) in the semi-final of the Olympics when they thought they had the chance to conquer us because we are from Africa and eventually go on to win it for the first time. Since then, they realise that Nigeria have great players and they don’t take us for granted anymore.”
The Kaduna United F.C. General manager also brush aside the opinion that the young Eagles squad will be overwhelm by the sight of the likes of Neymar, Phillipe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino named in the Selecao squad for the game.
“I know they have Neymar, Coutinho, Firimno and the rest but I don’t think our players would be overwhelmed by them.
“I think it is a massive one for our boys because most of them are young and playing a friendly game such as this one will help them. It gives them the opportunity to showcase their talents.
“Football is a game of 90 minutes and I don’t want to rule out the chances of our young players winning the game against Brazil. It is going to be eleven players against each other, we can only keep our fingers cross and wait for the day to enjoy the match.
“It is going to be an interesting game of football because will allow you to play your game while they also plays theirs and I look forward to it.
On the 23 players invited by German Coach, Gernot Rohr, Lawal, said it is very important that the coach’s decision be respected.
“I respect the team list of Gernot Rohr because he is the manager and he sees this guy and train with them.
“As the manager, he knows what he wants from the players and his team. It is a friendly game but no manager wants to lose.”