Nigeria’s clubless national team captain, Ahmed Musa has parried talk that he is match rusty and need not have been invited for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as he vowed to give his very best to justify his invitation, megasportsarena.com reports.
Super Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr doused criticism of his inclusion of Musa in his roster for the games against Benin Republic and Lesotho, as the player has been clubless since October, by conceding that the star will not play and only be a ceremonial member of the squad.
However, the former Kano Pillars, ADO Den Haag of Holland, CSKA Moscow of Russia, Leicester City of England and Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia ace insists he is fit enough to star on Saturday in Porto Novo and Tuesday in Lagos.
Although he admitted he is getting older, and not as fiery as he used to be, Musa pledged to keep giving his very best anytime the opportunity comes to showcase himself in green-and-white, which he declared is the motivation that has seen him step up his efforts in the Eagles’ camp despite being without a club.
His effort at getting a deal at West Bromwich Albion of England fell through earlier this year, but Musa remains a mainstay of the Eagles since he made his senior debut against Madagascar in an AFCON qualifier back in September 2010.
That provided the base for his invitation by Rohr, who added that he is aware of Musa’s influence in the national camp, hence his decision to hand the skipper a call-up so that he can train with the team and motivate the young players.
“I was surprised when I saw my name on the list but there’s nothing I can do. I always want to represent my country whenever I’m called up. I feel very happy, I will do my best, any opportunity I get I’m going to show what I know how to do best.
“I have stayed many months at home, so it is not easy. When I sign for a new club I need more trophies because I’m getting older each day. I’m just 29 now so maybe in the next two to three years I’m going to finish football. We’ll see,” Musa concluded.
