Atlanta '96 Olympic Games gold medallist Garba Lawal says Nigeria should not be written off as FIFA Confederations Cup title contenders, insisting the Super Eagles can pull off a surprise performance at the tournament.
The competition at tagged Festival of Champions kicks off in Brazil on Saturday with the 2014 World Cup hosts taking on Japan in the opening match.
Brazil and world champions Spain are leading the champions of the six continents in the championship, which is a dress rehearsal for next year's World Cup.
The Eagles begin their campaign against Oceania champions Tahiti in Belo Horizonte on Monday and Lawal is confident the team can go all the way.
Lawal, who represented Nigeria at the France '98 and Korea/Japan 2002 World Cups, said the Eagles boast quality players to pick up victories against their tough Group B opponents Spain and Uruguay.
He said the national team fans have no cause to worry about the star-studded Spain side boasting Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, David Villa and David Silva, as well as Uruguay's prolific scorers Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.
"In football anything can happen and I believe the Eagles have a chance to win the competition," Lawal told our correspondent on the telephone on Friday.
"Yes, Iniesta, Xavi and Cavani are world-class players but we also have big players in our team. They only need to believe in themselves.
"Winning our first game (against Tahiti) in the competition is very important and the Eagles should give their best in the encounter, because it will decide their fate in the tournament.
"It (victory) will give the team much-needed boost of confidence for their next match (against Uruguay on June 20) and anything can happen."
The much-travelled former Lobi stars player rejected suggestions the Eagles should focus on World Cup qualification and enjoy themselves at the Confederations Cup.
Lawal, who plied his trade in Tunisia, Greece, Holland, Sweden, China and Portugal before hanging up his boots last year, said playing in the tournament will help coach Stephen Keshi in his rebuilding process.
"The Confederations Cup experience will be of great benefit to the players and help Keshi, too," the ex-Roda star, who represented Nigeria at four editions of Africa Cup of Nations (2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006), said.
"The Eagles should aim to win the tournament because they are a fantastic side. Many didn't give them a chance to win the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa."
