The draws for the men and women football tournaments was held on Thursday at the legendary Maracana Stadium and Lawal bared his mind on the chances of the U-23 Eagles.
"The Olympics in Rio will be very difficult for the teams participating, but I feel Nigeria will surely qualify from the Group B," Lawal said.
"Colombia play good football, as well as Japan. Sweden played against Nigeria in the U-17 World Cup in 2013. That must be the set of players that have become their present U-23s. We have been doing well at this U-23 level, but we have to take these countries seriously."
Lawal who was part of the Flying Eagles side coached by current U-23 Eagles coach Samson Siasia, that participated at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt then revealed his intention to be one of three over-aged Nigerian players at the Olympics.
"The Olympics is a very big event, and of course, I will gladly accept coach (Samson) Siasia's invitation," Lawal, 25, who has scored one goal and made one assist for his Turkish side in 11 league games further .
credit: Completesportsnigeria