Ahmed Musa: 3 reasons Nigerians are protesting against Peseiro's AFCON list

Faruq Ibrahim 00:50 - 10 June 2023

We review three of the reasons why Nigerians do not want to see Ahmed Musa get a call-up.

The Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro, has released the 23-man shortlist to take on Sierra Leone in the AfCON qualifier later this month, and his choice of selection has come under criticism.

The bulk of the displeasure results from the Portuguese's decision to include Sivasspor forward and captain of the team Ahmed Musa.

Fans of the national team have taken to various social media platforms to share their annoyance, so we have collated three of the reasons why Nigerians do not want to see the former Al-Nassr striker get a call-up.

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He barely plays for his club

The former Leicester forward has only started four games for his club in the Turkey Super Lig this season and has only played 671 minutes of football throughout the season.

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Nigerians believe this is counter-intuitive to what should be a policy of meritocracy, as shared by the following Twitter users:

Gift Orban is playing out of his mind, Victor Boniface has the most goals in Europa League but it’s Ahmed Musa who hasn’t played club football in months that’s called up.

Thats their own wahala.
— TM. (@tsnmknd) June 9, 2023

You know what? I actually don't blame players like Olise and Eze opting for England instead of this dumpster fire of an organization.
Because why is 65 year old and Ahmed Musa still in the squad? He hasn't played a full 90 in over a year probably. https://t.co/xKmSeWs65v
— Adé (@adey_yinkah) June 9, 2023

In form young forwards missed out

Seven forward players made Jose Peseiro's squad of 23, but it conspicuously omits the Europa League striker of the season, Union Saint-Gilloise's Victor Boniface, and Gent's second-top scorer, Gift Orban.

The fans of the Super Eagles believe Musa's presence takes away a spot that should have been occupied by those better-in-form forwards, as seen in the following tweets:

Victor Boniface, Europa League's joint top scorer not called up. Gift Orban, not called up but sure there's space for Ahmed Musa who hasn't played 90 minutes of competitive football in a year.

And you guys wanted Saka to come join their hullabaloo. https://t.co/EE20domARf
— Tùká (@TukaLetura) June 9, 2023

no orban, ahmed musa in the middle of 2023, what's this? https://t.co/1L1ooJOtUx
— ODOGWŪ🦅 (@_gaiuss) June 9, 2023

Gift Orban or Victor Boniface, not called up but sure there's space for Ahmed Musa who hasn't played 90 minutes of competitive football in a year.

What is Ahmed Musa doing there ????? . Like wtf is wrong with Nigeria ? https://t.co/YOqrhrmBga
— Damian. (@BigChiefDamian) June 9, 2023

Lost interest once I saw Ahmed Musa. There are so many Nigerian eligible players thriving, and we keep selecting the same ones that are giving average performances https://t.co/THbY0VH50o
— Daryl E. ✝️ 🇳🇬 🇬🇭 🇸🇱 (@daryl_ei) June 9, 2023

Instead of Ahmed Musa why was Imade Osarenkhoe @Imade_Osarenkho of Bendel Insurance not called up.
Musa is old already and I’m damn sure he won’t be playing, so someone competent should have replaced him
— 𐌌𐌄Ᏽ𐌀 _𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒍 (@M_Marvel4) June 9, 2023

Ahmed Musa's age

Despite being only 31, fans believe the skipper is too old to still be a regular for the Nigerian national team.

Being the most capped player of the Super Eagles, fans have seen him don the green and white of Nigeria for longer than any other player, creating the perception that he has overstayed his welcome.

The following tweets show firsthand what people think of 'old' Musa:

This is how ojukokoro can spoil your legacy. Ahmed Musa was solid for Super Eagles at his peak. Nations Cup winner. Insane baller against Argentina in the WC. Instead of bowing out with the applause he’ll watch his honour depreciate over time. https://t.co/LdHwKRh2qX
— akinyemi (@theprincelyx) June 9, 2023

Ahmed Musa has been in Nigeria squad since I wrote Junior waec now am in 300level in Uni and he's still in Nigeria squad smh! https://t.co/JDKXPseOxS
— ORE_UTD🇳🇬🇶🇦 (@BrunoisDgoat) June 9, 2023