Former Nigeria international and 1996 Olympic gold medallist, Garba Lawal, has backed Ahmed Musa for a return to the Super Eagles, following the forward’s impressive performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Soccernet.ng reports.
Musa, who played a limited role in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign earlier this year, has not been invited to the national team since February, missing both the June World Cup qualifiers and all six of Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers from September to November.
However, despite these setbacks, the 32-year-old has refused to let the situation dampen his spirits.
Returning to the NPFL after stints in Europe and the Saudi Pro League, Musa has quickly rediscovered his best form with Kano Pillars.
His scintillating performances, which include five goals in the current season, have reignited discussions about his potential return to the Super Eagles.
Lawal has praised Musa’s contributions at Kano Pillars, pointing at the leadership and consistent goal-scoring abilities of the 2013 AFCON winner.
The former Leicester City and Al Nassr player’s influence has been crucial in keeping the team unbeaten in their last four matches, propelling them to sixth place in the NPFL table with 19 points from 13 games.
“Musa has done well since returning to Kano Pillars,” Lawal said, as per Complete Sports.
“Scoring goals consistently in a tough league like the NPFL is no small feat. It reflects his hunger for the game and his determination to prove he still belongs at the highest level.”
Lawal emphasised the value of Musa’s experience and impact, especially on younger players.
“We all know the challenges of playing in the NPFL,” Lawal added. “Despite these, he has scored five goals already. For me, that’s remarkable.
“There’s no doubt Musa has positively impacted his teammates, especially the younger players. It’s not every day you have a player of his calibre in the NPFL. The young players would have learned valuable lessons from his passion and dedication to the game. He is a true role model.”
The Super Eagles have a wealth of talent, including the likes of Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq, and Taiwo Awoniyi, but several have struggled to find form for the national team. This has left the door slightly ajar for a potential Musa return.
Although Musa’s last appearance for the national team came during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, Lawal firmly believes his current form makes a strong case for his inclusion. However, he stressed that the final decision lies with interim coach Augustine Eguavoen.
The Super Eagles suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to Rwanda last week to end 2024 on a sour note even though the three-time African champions have already secured qualification for the 2025 AFCON.
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Ahmed Musa has passed his prime in SE. All he needs is to give way to younger ones. Arguably,he holds the highest goal record in World Cup for Nigeria.
It's good to quit the stage, when the ovations is loud
Ahmed Musa: A Veteran’s Journey and His Potential for AFCON 2025
Ahmed Musa, the Nigerian forward and former Leicester City star, remains a pivotal figure in African football. As the Super Eagles eye a strong showing in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Musa’s wealth of experience, recent performances, and leadership qualities make a compelling case for his inclusion in the national squad.
A Stellar Career
Ahmed Musa's football journey is a testament to his enduring talent. Beginning his professional career with Kano Pillars in 2009, he scored a record-breaking 18 goals in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) during the 2009/10 season. This remarkable form earned him a move to Europe, where he played for VVV-Venlo in the Dutch Eredivisie, CSKA Moscow in Russia, and Leicester City in the English Premier League. Musa became the first Nigerian to score multiple goals in a World Cup match, achieving this feat in Nigeria’s 3-2 victory over Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
At Leicester City, Musa was part of a historic squad and contributed to their post-title-winning campaigns. His pace, versatility, and ability to perform under pressure cemented his reputation on the international stage.
Recent Form with Kano Pillars
Musa rejoined Kano Pillars in October 2024, marking his third stint with the club. Despite being without a club for several months after leaving Sivasspor in Turkey, he quickly regained form. On his debut, Musa scored twice in a 2-0 win against Sunshine Stars, showcasing his knack for delivering in critical moments. He followed this up with decisive goals against Plateau United and Rangers, bringing his tally to four goals since his return.
At 32, Musa’s performances defy expectations, reflecting his enduring quality and ability to inspire younger teammates in the NPFL. His leadership on the pitch has been pivotal in lifting Kano Pillars to competitive form in the league.
Why Musa Is Crucial for AFCON 2025
Experience and Leadership: Musa’s inclusion would provide the Super Eagles with a seasoned leader, both on and off the pitch. With over 100 international caps, he is Nigeria’s most-capped player, offering invaluable experience in high-pressure tournament scenarios.
Proven Track Record: Musa has consistently delivered in major tournaments, including the World Cup and AFCON. His two-goal heroics against Iceland in the 2018 World Cup and his leadership during previous AFCON campaigns highlight his capability to perform on big stages.
Recent Form: His resurgence at Kano Pillars demonstrates that he remains a potent attacking threat. Whether scoring goals or creating opportunities for teammates, Musa has proven he still possesses the skills required for international football.
Versatility: Musa’s ability to play across multiple attacking positions makes him a valuable asset. He can adapt to various tactical setups, providing coach Augustine Eguavoen with flexibility in offensive strategies.
Mentorship Role: Beyond his on-field contributions, Musa’s presence in the squad could have a transformative impact on younger players. His professionalism, resilience, and understanding of the game can guide the next generation of Nigerian footballers.
A Call to Action for Eguavoen.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen should strongly consider Ahmed Musa for the Super Eagles’ next camp. While younger players bring dynamism, Musa offers a unique blend of experience, consistency, and leadership that is critical in tournaments like AFCON. His recent performances in the NPFL affirm his readiness to contribute effectively to Nigeria’s campaign in 2025.
Musa’s inclusion would not only enhance the team’s depth but also reinvigorate the squad with a sense of purpose and determination. As the Super Eagles aim to reclaim their continental dominance, Musa's presence could be the key to unlocking success in Ivory Coast.
Ahmed Musa’s storied career, recent form, and potential contributions underscore why he remains an essential figure for Nigeria’s footballing ambitions. Bringing him back into the Super Eagles fold for AFCON 2025 is not just a strategic move but a testament to his enduring legacy as one of Nigeria’s footballing greats.
Abeg, pls stop this nonsense. what is Garba Lawal trying to gain from sabotaging the progress of Super Eagles? Pls, I hope this just a rumor.
him coming back to the team will really help even in technical role and support to other players too
Why not bring back Haruna Ilerika, go to his grave and wake him up ! Mad people, corrupt imbeciles, asiwèrè, asínwín people !
Oloriburuku generation,ay it never be well with all of you sport administrators, Tomo tomo, taya taya, May calamity visit your families constantly, may you never reincarnate in our Land.
Bastards !
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