Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has spoken out for the first time after he was left out of the squad to face Sao Tome and Principe in Nigeria’s final AFCON qualifier.
Sivasspor and Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa has insisted that it is not yet time for him to call it quits with the national side.
Coach Jose Peseiro left out captain Ahmed Musa and decided to give a first call-up to Gent striker Gift Orban and Bayer Leverkusen attacker Victor Boniface- both of whom have been in sensational form, scoring goals for fun.
It was gathered that Ahmed Musa picked up an injury during a league game for his Turkish side Sivasspor back in August 8 when they drew 1-1 with Samsunspor.
Even though he will be absent when Nigeria take on Sao Tome and Principe, Musa believes that the Super Eagles have enough firepower to emerge victorious.
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Ahmed Musa would not be in action when Nigeria take on Sao Tome and Principe in the final AFCON qualifier at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo Akwa-Ibom.
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“We all know the importance of the game, so we are not going to take that easy because we know the opponents.
“We are playing at home. Insha Allah, we are going to win the game and focus more on the World Cup qualifiers. We know what Nigerians always want.”
I want to play in another World Cup - Ahmed Musa
However, Musa revealed to the Punch that he will be back for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which begins in November.
He said he has a dream of featuring at another FIFA World Cup with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
“I hope to be back soon for the World Cup qualifiers. It’s my dream to play in another World Cup. I believe we have a squad that is equally determined to qualify.”
The Super Eagles will battle the likes of Benin, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe in Group C of the FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Ahmed Musa says 2023 AFCON will be his last
The former Leicester City forward told the BBC that he would not play in another African Cup of Nations after the 2022 edition, which will take place in Cote D’Ivoire between January and February 2024.
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He added that he would like to win the upcoming AFCON with the Super Eagles of Nigeria - finishing on a high.
"It's something that I have really thought about and I feel blessed to say this will be my final Nations Cup with Nigeria"
"What is important is to try to give my best and try to win it for my country. The players are fully aware of my plans and we have a squad good enough to win it again.
"I would like for the story of my Nations Cup to end very well like the first by winning it."
Ahmed Musa’s continued invitation to the national team has been a concern to many fans who believe that the 30-year-old has achieved so much and must give room to younger players.
Some others have also pointed out that Ahmed Musa has not enjoy a decent playing time in the last two seasons but at club and country and that he should read the room and say his goodbyes.