The Nigeria Football Federation recently released the squad list for the two international friendlies coming up on the 13th & 16th of this month in Portugal. Expectedly, the team regulars were invited, but the duo of William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa were conspicuously missing, with this eliciting mixed reactions from Nigerians. However, the omission of Ahmed Musa has been the most debatable of all, and the reason isn’t far-fetched. The most capped Super Eagle was not invited for the team’s last match against the conquered Sao Tome and Principle. Hence, many had expected his return in the subsequent games, but NFF, interestingly, have a different perspective.
The question that cries for an answer in this situation is: Is it a good or bad decision for NFF not to extend invitation to the player with the most World Cup goals for the country? Personally, I deem it not as a good decision, but a ‘gooder’ one.
As it is stated in the book of Ecclesiastes, there is time for everything. Simply, Musa’s time in Eagles is up. He’s paid his dues, and has cemented a legendary status. A loyal servant of the country he’s been, and his feats are testament to his exemplary servitude and patriotism. But he’s no longer the Ahmed Musa that scored a pair of brace at two different World Cup events; age has caught up with him and the most exceptional strength of his game (speed) is no longer the same. With this decline in ability and form, it is pertinent that he retires honourably rather than being ignominiously forced out of the team. This treatment doesn’t align with his status.
Also, it is expedient that invitation is not extended to him so as to offer opportunities to exciting talents. The national team invitation is no one’s birthright. Thus, every worthy and meritorious player capable of enhancing the team should be invited. With the blazing form of talents like Gift Orban, Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, Akor James, Terem Moffi, it is undeniably outrageous inviting an aged off-form Ahmed Musa.
Lastly, Ahmed Musa has not been a regular for his Turkish side, Sivasspor. In the team’s last three games, he’s enjoyed only a nine-minute cameo. Hence, it is appropriate that a bench warmer is not called up for a national duty.
In closing, Ahmed Musa is a legend, and should not allow himself to be given a treatment undeserving of his status. Therefore, it is imperative that he acts like a wise guest who takes his leave before he’s forced out of the door by his host.
Akinsola Akintola
Discussion about this post