As the curtains fall on the 2023 AFCON tomorrow, Nigeria’s most capped player, Ahmed Musa with 109 caps is yet to play a single minute at the 34th edition of the AFCON after five games.
The 31-year-old former Kano Pillars star who made his Super Eagles debut in April 2010 was the first Nigeria to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match, after scoring twice against Argentina in 2014 as well as being the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions, after scoring twice against Iceland in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He has 16 goals for Nigeria since his debut with the last goal on November 13, 2021 against Liberia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Prior to this tournament, there were calls in some quarters for his exclusion from the 2023 AFCON list but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and coach Jose Peseiro stuck to their guns for the former Leicester City man to travel to Cote d’ Ivoire.
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Peseiro has insisted Musa remains a crucial figure for the team despite not featuring in any game.
“He can play and also be a good leader. I have two other captains, Ekong and Omeruo, who are doing a fantastic job regardless of playing time.”
Peseiro emphasized that Musa’s presence transcends playing minutes, highlighting his dual role as leader and mentor. “If he weren’t an option, I wouldn’t call him,” he explained. “But because he is, his contribution goes beyond the pitch.”
Tomorrow’s final match with Cote d’Ivoire is the last chance for the veteran striker and 2013 AFCON winner to add to his caps and maybe increase his goal tally for Nigeria as he may take a bow from international football after the 2023 AFCON.
