‘Had to convince him’ – 57-capped ex-Super Eagles star reveals role in Abdulmuiz’s Elfsborg move

Former Super Eagles defender Garba Lawal has disclosed how he played a decisive role in Oladimeji Abdulmuiz’s transfer to IF Elfsborg, Afrik Foot reports.

The 57-cap international revealed that he personally intervened during negotiations to ensure the highly rated youngster chose Elfsborg despite interest from other European clubs.

Garba Lawal explains why Elfsborg was the right choice

Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Lawal expressed satisfaction with the move, describing Elfsborg as an ideal environment for Abdulmuiz’s development.

“It’s a good deal, and I’m happy it happened because Elfsborg is a good club with top facilities and professional football people,” Lawal said.

“I played there, and the fans are great. They create a good environment for players to express themselves. It is also a good step for him in Europe because the team usually competes in the Champions League or Europa League.”

Abdulmuiz recently completed a move to the Swedish Allsvenskan side from Beyond Limits Football Academy, one of Nigeria’s most productive youth systems.

Vi välkomnar Oladimeji ”Muiz” Abdulmuiz till föreningen!

Den nigerianska mittfältaren ansluter till herrlaget i juni och har skrivit på ett kontrakt till sommaren 2029.

🔗 https://t.co/dK5ypS34qB
_____#vitillsammans #elfsborg #borås pic.twitter.com/jJ8y1xMWgX

— IF Elfsborg (@IFElfsborg1904) February 11, 2026

‘I had to convince him’ – Former Super Eagles star

Lawal revealed that Beyond Limits chairman initially had doubts about allowing the player move to Elfsborg due to competing offers from other clubs.

“Yes, I received a call from the Chairman of Beyond Limits during the negotiation process because there were other clubs interested in him,” Lawal explained.

“He was probably considering letting the player go elsewhere since he wants the best for him. I had to convince him that Elfsborg is a great club that takes good care of its players.”

The former Roda JC and Elfsborg defender added that discussions were also held with the club’s hierarchy.

“The club’s sporting director is Stefan Andreasson, and we all spoke during a video call. I’m proud of Andreasson because he has had a good football brain right from our playing days,” he stressed.

Lawal sends warning and encouragement to Abdulmuiz

Lawal also offered words of caution to the teenager, urging him to remain disciplined and focused as he begins his European journey.

“For me, Muiz is a good player with a great future, and he can achieve great things, but he has to stay focused and disciplined,” he said.

“We have seen some players lose good opportunities due to a lack of discipline and get into trouble because of distractions off the pitch.”

He further noted that Abdulmuiz will not struggle to settle in Sweden due to Elfsborg’s infrastructure and the presence of another Nigerian at the club.

“Sweden is usually cold, but the club has good facilities to take care of the players, and there is another Nigerian at the club, so he won’t be lonely,” Lawal concluded.

Abdulmuiz will be keen to make an immediate impression when Elfsborg take on Helsingborg IF in the Svenska Cupen on February 22.