Coach Austin Eguavoen has offered an explanation for his decision to invite Ahmed Musa for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Eguavoen was criticized for inviting the 29-year-old Fatih Karagümrük winger for the clash of FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ghana.
And in his reaction, the manager said defended his decision and explained that Musa’s recent invitation to the Super Eagles is a tradition established for a long time.
Eguavoen who also doubled as the Nigeria Football Federation technical director said that Musa is being honored with a slot in the squad like other Captain before him.
“We are from a country that doesn’t forget tradition, we don’t forget history. These are things we did for late Keshi, 1994 he wasn’t playing but he was our leader. These are things we did for people like Peter Rufai, Joseph Yobo.
“He has agreed that after the World Cup he’s going to retire. We will still accord him that respect and honour because he’s got a major role to play in the team.”
“Ahmed Musa has got some leadership qualities whether we like or not as well but he can always give us some good 45-60 minutes when it becomes really necessary, that is why we try to see how we can help him honorably leave the scene hopefully after the World Cup,” Eguavoen said.
The Fatih Karagümrük winger is Nigeria’s most capped male payer at 103 games for the Super Eagles.
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