Ex-Grasshopper club midfielder defends Ahmed Musa’s Super Eagles invitation

Former Super Eagles midfielder Duke Udi has backed Ahmed Musa’s inclusion in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

New Super Eagles boss, Eric Chelle, recently announced his 39-man provisional squad for their upcoming games. Meanwhile, this lists include the former Leicester City player.

The former Shooting Stars player, reacting to this squad list insists that the veteran forward deserves his place in the team.

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Musa, Nigeria’s all-time most-capped player, has been a subject of debate in the Nigerian football community, with some questioning his continued selection despite limited playing time at club level.

However, Udi believes Musa’s leadership and contributions on and off the pitch justify his call-up.

“Ahmed Musa qualifies to play for the national team, and he’s the captain of the national team as well,” Udi said to Brila Media. “The work he’s putting in at his club side, we can all see it. Ahmed Musa is there on merit.”

The Super Eagles sit fifth in the World Cup qualifying Group C standings, having picked up just four points from four matches, making the upcoming games must-win encounters.

Musa, who played a key role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, is expected to provide experience and leadership as the Super Eagles look to revive their campaign—should he make the final squad list.

Nigeria will make a trip to face Rwanda in Kigali in a must-win encounter, before returning to Nigeria to host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Ahead of the clash, Udi believes the now-Kano Pillars forward can make a huge difference in the game.