A former chairman of the Gombe State Sports Commission, Malam Farouk Yarma, is confident that even as the Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, is yet to feature at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON), he will still play a significant role on the pitch before the end of the tournament.
The former winner of the AFCON in 2013 is one of the six Super Eagles players who are yet to play after three group matches and two knockout battles.
This development has not come as a surprise to those who had vehemently opposed the inclusion of the aging Musa in the 2023 AFCON squad.
However, Yarma who spoke to Daily Trust Tuesday said the most capped player in the present Super Eagles is a big stage player who will still deliver when it matters most.
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He said those who have continued to troll the striker for being a benchwarmer at the ongoing AFCON do not know his invaluable contributions to the team’s fine run so far.
“I have heard a lot of talk that taking captain Ahmed Musa to the 2023 AFCON is beautiful nonsense but I disagree with such critics. People who say such things are underestimating Musa’s influence in the team. They don’t know what goes on behind the scene.
“A former winner of the AFCON, Musa is a great motivation to the junior players. His presence gives them the confidence to fight. And he is going to contribute his quota on the pitch when it is time. The biggest masquerade comes out last,” said Yarma.
