Despite the feeling in some quarters that the inclusion of Ahmed Musa in the present Super Eagles squad is a beautiful nonsense, the Chairman of the FCT Football Association (FA), Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, has said the Sivasspor Kulübü of Turkey striker will guide and encourage the younger members of the team at the 2024 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire. In this interview with Trust Sports, the member of NFF Task Force on age-grade national teams spoke on what he is expecting from the Super Eagles, the inclusion of Alhassan Yusuf in the squad, Victor Boniface’s absence and why no outfield player in the NPFL is in the AFCON squad.
The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will get underway on Saturday in Cote d’Ivoire (today). What are the Super Eagles chances of winning their fourth title?
2024 AFCON is definitely a very big platform for the Coach and the players of the Super Eagles to launder their reputation. Although it is not going to be an easy task for the team, a minimum of semi-final finish is what is expected. I think our first match against Equatorial Guinea and the second against the host Ivory Coast will give an indication. I, therefore, advise them to ensure they win their opening match.
How satisfied are you with the quality of players that have been selected by Jose Peseiro?
I think the coach has come out to say he picked the best in-form players available. I don’t know what role the NFF technical committee has played or to what extent it vetted the list. So, I believe these could be our best options. Always here and there, one or two could or should have been included or omitted but that’s football. The onus is now on those who have made the final list to justify the confidence reposed in them by the coach.
Will you say the Super Eagles have had adequate preparations?
For all national teams, there is hardly enough time for adequate preparations. However, the players are professionals who are in the middle of the season so they are all fit and ready to face the present challenges. But this is an African championship so only the strongest mentally and physically will excel.
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A player you know very well, Alhassan Yusuf, has been drafted in to replace the injured Wilfred Ndidi. Does he have what it takes to fill the big shoes left by the more experienced defensive midfielder?
I will say they are definitely big shoes to fill, but that’s life. It will be a big test for Alhassan. It’s his chance. He must grab it with both hands. He must show strong character and rise up to perform for his country. He has developed over the years and won the League and Cup in Belgium so he knows how to win titles and perform at high levels. Therefore, I believe that if he is given an opportunity to play, Alhassan won’t disappoint Nigerians. I think Jose Peseiro has found something special in the young player.
Ahmed Musa’s selection drew condemnation in some quarters. What is your take on the selection of one of the most experienced players in the team?
Nigerians are entitled to their opinion but Musa is a great servant of Nigeria and deserves to be given a chance. But importantly, he is a leader and the team needs such personalities to guide and encourage the upcoming players to go for the title. Apart from his World Cup experience, Musa is only one of two former winners of the AFCON in the present squad. The other is Kenneth Omeruo. Both of them won the title with the Super Eagles in 2013 in South Africa. So, I see nothing wrong in Musa’s selection for the championship. He will definitely motivate other players, especially the younger ones among them.
How much do you think the Super Eagles are going to miss those players that have been sidelined by injury? Victor Boniface is one of such players…
Missing Victor is a huge blow for Nigeria. He is about the hottest striker in Europe at the moment. He brings a different dynamic and power up front. But he is unlucky. However, it will now give Terem Moffi, who has been called up, a chance to show what he can do.
Again, the present Super Eagles squad is without players in the NPFL. Isn’t this a major setback for the domestic league?
I have always said we need a bigger pool of players to be able to pick from. I have also pushed for a goalkeeping academy for the country so we have options. I understand the feelings of most Nigeria but the league has been very poor with low standards so not many high quality players can be produced. Therefore, it is not a surprise that no single outfield player in the NPFL has made the squad.
Apart from the Super Eagles, which other teams are your top favourites for the title?
The 2024 edition is going to be competitive but the big teams Senegal, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Egypt, and Morocco are among the favourites. However, there could be a few surprises. I agree with those who say there are no more minnows in international football. But when the chips are down, the bigger boys will always stand out.
Will you feel highly disappointed if the Super Eagles fail again to soar high in Cote d’Ivoire?
Definitely, it would be a huge disappointment if the Super Eagles fail to perform. Nigerians are eager and hopeful. The team must give them something to be happy about, and it would be nice to bring the cup home.
