2023 Afcon: Super Eagles need Ahmed Musa, says Dele Aiyenugba

Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba has called for the return of Ahmed Musa to the national team ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

The 31-year-old made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2010 and has 16 goals to his name, remaining the country’s highest goalscorer in the World Cup.

After scoring twice against Argentina in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup, Musa became the first Nigerian to score twice in a World Cup match.

He repeated the feat against Iceland at the 2018 World Cup and the former Leicester City winger has vowed to return for the Super Eagles squad amidst concerns and criticism.

The Super Eagles star had told BBC some months back: “I hope to be back soon for the World Cup qualifiers.”

However, the Sivasspor of Turkey winger has recently been left out of the national team, missing the last 5 matches.

The most capped Nigeria player with 109 caps has played for JUTH FC, Kano Pillars (both in Nigeria), VVV Venlo (Holland), CSKA Moscow (Russia), Leicester City (England), Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia) and Fatih Karagumruk(Turkey).

“When I joined the national team, our legend Nwankwo Kanu was not playing,” Aiyenugba told media.

“He was usually subbed on but was always there as the captain. We still need Ahmed Musa on the team. It doesn’t matter if he holds a starting position or not. A leader in the team has much to offer on and off the pitch.

“This is the AFCON, and you need the right mentality. So, when you have players like Musa who even started from Nigeria, he will be able to understand everyone’s differences and carry the entire team especially when you are having a blend of home-based and foreign-based players.”