By Yusuf Saidu Tara
The Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, has submitted the names of 41 provisional squad to partake in the forthcoming Africa’s biggest competition in January, 2024 at Ivory Coast.
However the inclusion of the Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa has sparked reactions and generated heated debates as football lovers, analysts and spectators took to social media platforms to express their views on the Nigerian football body stand.
There are mixed reactions as some of the football commentators said the presence of the Jos based striker will add no value to the Super Eagles for their quest for triumph of the AFCON 2023 trophy. They cited age, physicality and playing time as reasons while others applauded the decision.
But whoever understands the trends, history and antics of football and politics of Nigeria will have no doubt in the choice of the NFF to include the longest serving player in the history of Super Eagles. They will hail the football body’s decision for a such development.
Obviously, Musa is the most capped Nigerian footballer and has experience about most of the teams we intend to face at AFCON 2023. His long stay in Super Eagles gave him opportunity to understand the teams and will help the Nigerian team with all the needed information on tactics and plans to emerge victorious.
He is a leader, having captained the team. Musa’s leadership qualities speak volumes. He may not necessarily even start for any game but he will be helpful during training and pep talk in the dressing room.
The last two AFCON Nigeria won, our captains were not starters in the game. Stephen Keshi in Tunisia 1994 and Joseph Yobo in South Africa 2013 were not starters. But they understood better the expectations from Nigerians on the team and they would be more relaxed to advice the players about how different opponents will likely react.
Again, we all saw in FIFA World Cup Tournament 2018 and the past AFCON tournaments, when Super Eagles did incredible displays, and that undoubtedly added some respect and honour to Super Eagles Number 7. Musa is a very big name. He has won lots of titles including AFCON Cup. His presence alone can make a big difference. He is full of creativity, speed and a selfless player and that will help the team to shine better.
Nigerian citizens and football lovers should learn how to support and respect our big stars who put in their efforts and sacrifices for the betterment of the national team. We must stop all the sentiments, propaganda and corruption in sports, and give room for those experienced players who are willing to support the Super Eagles to attain greatness. We lost key players prematurely due to the aforementioned considerations. Good luck Super Eagles! Soar higher! Let’s do it again!
Yusuf Saidu Tara, writes in from Yola, Adamawa state and can be reached at tarasaidu@gmail.com
