- Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa pledges commitment to national team until retirement, emphasizes importance of victory in AFCON final
- Musa reflects on memorable AFCON tournament, ready to support teammates, expresses desire to lift trophy, praised by coach Peseiro
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has expressed his commitment to continue playing for the national team until he decides to hang up his boots.
Musa made this declaration during a pre-match press conference ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts, Cote D’Ivoire, held yesterday.
“Whenever I receive the call-up from joining the National team, I will always honour it until I retire,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on his experience in the AFCON 2023 tournament, Musa described it as one of his best, despite being largely confined to the bench throughout the journey to the final.
“For me, this has been one of my most memorable AFCON tournaments, filled with surprises from start to finish. Winning the AFCON and lifting the trophy is an unforgettable experience. Omeruo and I experienced that in South Africa, and now we aim for another victory. The feeling of winning must be doubled,” Musa remarked.
Ahead of the final match, Musa emphasized the importance of securing victory for Nigeria, stating, “Winning tomorrow’s game is crucial for us Nigerians. We’ve worked hard for it since day one and are determined to give our best.”
Regarding his role on the field, Musa expressed readiness to support his teammates and highlighted his patience in waiting for his turn to contribute.
“I’ve had the opportunity to play for others to succeed, and now it’s time for me to support my teammates as they play for our victory. I’m patient and ready whenever I’m called upon,” he stated.
Musa, who debuted in the AFCON in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi, stands as one of Nigeria’s most capped players and is one of two players in the current squad to have previously won the AFCON title.
In a show of support, head coach Jose Peseiro praised Musa’s contributions to the team’s journey to the finals and expressed his desire to witness Musa lifting the trophy.
“Ahmed is more than just a player to us. He has been invaluable, providing advice and insights about the AFCON tournament. I want to see him lift the cup tomorrow; he deserves it,” Peseiro remarked, highlighting Musa’s pivotal role in the team.
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