Nigerian football legend and Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has warned that failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup would be a disaster for the country’s football. Speaking in Ilorin on Sunday, Musa emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that a whole generation of talented players would be lost, along with the confidence of upcoming players.
The Super Eagles are currently in a precarious position, sitting fifth in Group C, behind South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Benin. However, Musa remains optimistic, believing that the team can still turn their fortunes around.
Musa identified the upcoming match against Rwanda as a critical turning point for the Super Eagles. “The important game is Rwanda. If we can get the three points from that match, it’s going to be a turning point for us,” he said. Musa emphasized that the support of all Nigerians is crucial, stating, “Every Nigerian must be involved because we need their support.
Musa also took the opportunity to praise his teammate, Taiwo Awoniyi, for his generosity in building a functional secretariat for the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Ilorin. “I am going to say a very big thank you to my younger brother, Taiwo Awoniyi, for this magnificent building he has built for SWAN. Every footballer needs to learn from what Awoniyi has done.”
Musa, who is currently playing for Kano Pillars in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), commended the organizers of the local league for its improvements. “This is not my first time playing in the Nigerian league. Back in the days, you could never go to an away game and win like you saw in the match between Lobi and Ikorodu United, where the home team lost to the Lagos side.”
As the Super Eagles face a crucial period in their World Cup qualifying campaign, Musa’s words serve as a rallying cry for the team and the nation. With the support of all Nigerians, the Super Eagles can overcome their current challenges and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
