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By Ebenezer Bajela.
Some fans have queried Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa’s invitation for Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone, asking for his retirement from the national team, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Musa was one of the 23 players invited by Jose Peseiro for the match-day five of the AFCON qualifier scheduled for the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium in Liberia June 18.
Since the commencement of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, the captain has managed a combined 36 minutes in four games.
In the hard-fought 2-1 win over the Leone Stars at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja last September, the 30-year-old was an unused substitute, while he featured for 32 minutes in the Eagles’ 10-0 rout of São Tomé and Príncipe.
In the first leg of the doubleheader against Guinea-Bissau, he was in action for just three minutes as Nigeria lost 1-0 at home and his last appearance was a minute cameo against the Djurtus away from home.
He was not invited for the three international friendlies in between the four AFCON qualifiers.
His low turnout for the Eagles in recent times has sparked a reaction from the fans, who frowned at the continuous invitation of the former Kano Pillars captain to the national team.
On Saturday, the Sivasspor forward tweeted, “Like me or hate me, a day will come that you will tell your kids a story about Ahmed Musa MON.”
Following his tweet, many of the country’s football faithful called for his retirement from the national team.
Ifasi Ifeanyi advised the Eagles captain not to emulate Nigerian politicians.
“Don’t be like Nigerian politicians, set an example. it’s time to give the young ones opportunities, Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha, the two GOATs, bowed out when it was time. That being said, you are a legend.”
Mazi Michael added, “Is it bad to retire for young ones to get a nod? Where have you been playing for eight months now? Is that how they behave abroad?”
Tunde Francis wrote, “We love you but stop dragging the Super Eagles back, do the honorable thing and retire for the sake of younger and better players who merit it more than you presently do, you have done your part and your name will never be forgotten in our history, it’s time to call it a day.”
Chisco believes Musa has nothing to prove anymore and should thus leave the team.
“Retire from the national team. At this age you have nothing more to give to the team, just taking space. I have fond memories of you as a player but the time to leave is now. Tell the coach to stop inviting and retire abeg.”
Shaye Abiodun also advised the Eagles captain to bow out of the team.
“You’ve written your name in gold within the context of Nigeria football. However, it’s time to take a bow respectfully before you are forced out of the team. And again would you have a chance if legends like J.J , Kanu Garba Lawal and co refused to leave the team?”
Prince Caphriel added, “It’s no hate bruh. But it’s best to leave when the ovation is loudest. You’ve done your very best for the team, and most of us, the fans think it’s time to say au revoir (goodbye).”
“We will definitely tell our children about you, in good light even! You gave your very best when the nation needed it. The point here is that you’ve done well, it’s time to give other rising Stars the chance to serve too. It shouldn’t get to this booing stage at all. We love you,” Raphael Durojaiye tweeted.
Abiodun Ibrahim bluntly affirmed that Nigeria will remember Musa for his good deeds rather than for sitting on the bench.
“We will talk about the Ahmed Musa that contributed to the Super Eagles in the past, not the present one that is taking space without any contribution to the team. The honourable thing to do is to retire from the national team. You are already a hero.”
Also responding to Musa’s tweet, Emeka Onyenuforo said, “You are absolutely right there but remember that all we are saying is to pave ways for the upcoming talented younger generation to at least come close to your laudable achievements so far! You are a great servant and professional and we all adore you for your humbleness too.”
Gbagamus Olawoyin added, “No one hates you Musa, we just feel our national team deserves better than having you on the list presently, you have given your best and you should stay away and allow younger players. We love you so much.”