“Nigeria cannot be absent from the 2026 World Cup” — Ahmed Musa

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria’s national team captain, Ahmed Musa, has spoken out for the first time since his return to the Super Eagles squad following the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

Musa expressed the importance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, stating that it would be a disaster for Nigeria to miss out on the global tournament.

The Super Eagles currently sit in fifth place in Group C and will face Zimbabwe and Rwanda later this month in crucial qualifiers. Musa urged Nigerians to rally behind the team, stressing that their support is essential for success.

At the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Center/SWAN Secretariat in Ilorin, the former Leicester City forward reiterated the significance of the upcoming match against Rwanda, calling it a potential turning point for Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.

“The Super Eagles are in a very difficult situation right now, but we believe in ourselves that we can still scale through,” Musa said.

“Nigeria cannot be absent from the 2026 World Cup. It is going to be a big disaster for Nigerian players not to be at the World Cup. The important game is Rwanda.”

Musa added, “If we can get the three points from that match, it’s going to be a turning point for us. But it is not just a job for the Super Eagles alone. Every Nigerian must be involved because we need their support.”