Former Nigeria international, Garba Lawal, has asserted that only caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen can determine whether Ahmed Musa still merits a place in the Super Eagles squad, Completesports.com reports.
Garba Lawal
Musa, 32, rejoined four-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Kano Pillars for a third stint in October. Since his return, he has been in scintillating form for the Sai Masu Gida, scoring five goals so far in the current season.
Augustine Eguavoen and his Super Eagles assistants
Super Eagles centre-back William Troost-Ekong, who has often captained the team in Musa’s absence, maintains that the former Leicester City winger remains a pivotal figure.
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“We’re happy he’s back,” Troost-Ekong remarked during a media session in Uyo ahead of the Super Eagles’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday three fixture against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
“He’s still our captain, and he’s welcome back any time.
“He’s our most-capped player, a good role model, and an excellent leader.
“I’m happy to deputise for him.”
Divided Opinions
Musa has not featured for the Super Eagles since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year. However, opinions remain split on whether he should continue with the national team.
“I think coach Augustine Eguavoen is in the best position to decide that,” Lawal, a member of Nigeria’s gold-winning U-23 squad at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, told Completesports.com.
“Musa has done well since returning to Kano Pillars. Scoring goals consistently in a tough league like the NPFL is no small feat.
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“It reflects his hunger for the game and his determination to prove he still belongs at the highest level.
“We all know the challenges of playing in the NPFL. Despite these, he has scored five goals already. For me, that’s remarkable.”
Musa’s Impact At Pillars
Musa’s influence on Kano Pillars has been significant. The four-time NPFL champions currently sit sixth on the league table, with 19 points from 13 matches. Usman Abdallah’s team is unbeaten in their last four games.
“There’s no doubt Musa has positively impacted his teammates, especially the younger players,” Lawal added.
“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.”
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Source: www.completesports.com
