Ahmed Musa gives update on possible Super Eagles retirement
FOOTBALL AFCON 2023: Ahmed Musa gives updates on possible Super Eagles retirement ahead of Nigeria vs Guinea Bissau

AFCON 2023 Ahmed Musa gives update on possible Super Eagles retirement

Ayoola Kelechi • 20:14 - 23.03.2023

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has answered critics who think he should retire from the national team

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has given an update on his future with the Nigerian national team, with a definite answer for those calling for him to retire. 

The 30-year-old winger was speaking ahead of the Super Eagles 2023 AFCON qualifier against Guinea Bissau set to take place in Abuja tomorrow, and noted criticism of his inclusion in the team but was quick to point out that nobody can force him to retire. 

Musa called up despite worrying club form

Musa, who is currently Nigeria’s most-capped player has represented Nigeria 107 times already, scoring 16 goals including four at the FIFA World Cup, which is the most by a player in the history of the national team. 

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Yet, he finds himself plagued with calls for him to quit the national team due to his recent struggles at the club level. 

Musa has played only 527 minutes of action across three competitions for Sivasspor in the 2022/23 season, making only 6 starts and failing to score or assist this campaign.

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In the month leading up to the national team call-up, Musa played only three minutes of football across three matches, and he was also on the bench for 180 minutes as Sivasspor were knocked out of the UEFA Europa Conference League. 

All this has led to fans calling for him to be dropped from the Super Eagles team, but Musa says he will not listen to the naysayers who want him out of the national team.

Musa refuses to be forced into retirement

Speaking ahead of the AFCON 2023 qualifier against Guinea Bissau, Musa replied to those calling for him to retire or to be dropped, saying only his body or coach Jose Peseiro could stop him from playing for Nigeria. 

“All those people that are asking Musa to retire, when Musa was doing good, where were they?” He asked, before continuing, “No matter what, whoever they call, they have to help. I don’t have to listen to anyone, I am the one who owns myself.

“If my body wants me to stop, I stop. I am playing always in my club, I have a good conduct, so why do you want me to retire from the national team? 

Ahmed Musa(L) and Jose Peseiro (C) at the pre-match press conference of the game against Guinea Bissau
Ahmed Musa(L) and Jose Peseiro (C) at the pre-match press conference of the game against Guinea Bissau

Finally, Musa stressed that as long as he was getting call-ups to the national team, he would honour them, saying it was the coach’s job to decide who was fit for the Super Eagles. 

“If the coach don’t want to call me anymore, then it is fine. But if the coach always gives me an invite, then I will always honour that.

“Anytime I decide to leave the national team, I can do that on my own. I don’t listen to anyone.” 

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Musa is in line to extend his record as the player with the most appearances for the Super Eagles when Nigeria take on Guinea Bissau tomorrow by 5pm WAT. 

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Sivasspor Ahmed Musa Africa Cup of Nations Nigeria