Super Eagles Captain Suffers Injury Ahead of Rwanda, South Africa Clashes
- Ahmed Musa is a major doubt for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa due to an injury sustained
- There are concerns over the fitness statuses of Semi Ajayi and Cyriel Dessers, with coach Eric Chelle hoping to have a full house
- The tactician can bank on Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, Tolu Arokodare, and Victor Boniface, who are in impressive form for their clubs
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier preparations for September have suffered a significant setback, with captain Ahmed Musa emerging as a major doubt for crucial matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
The Super Eagles will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 6 before facing Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein three days later.
Musa's potential absence from the squad could pose a big problem as he is currently the most experienced player in the team.
Source: Getty Images
The 32-year-old forward sustained an injury just 14 minutes into Kano Pillars’ Gusau Ahlan Preseason Tournament final against Plateau United.
It had ended goalless after regulation time, but Pillars went on to win the highly entertaining clash on penalties.
The injury is a harsh setback for Musa, who recently earned a recall to the national team under coach Eric Chelle for the Unity Cup in London, where he played in a 2-1 win over Ghana.
Before the injury, Musa was in fine form for Kano Pillars, scoring and assisting in a 2-0 semi-final win over Wikki Tourists, earning Man of the Match, and contributing to a 3-0 victory against Katsina United.
If he is sidelined, Chelle can rely on attacking options like Victor Osimhen, who is excelling in Turkey.
Paul Onuachu has regained his scoring form, Tolu Arokodare, performing well at KRC Genk, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface.
However, Musa’s leadership and experience would be missed in a squad balancing youth and international know-how, per Soccernet.
Adding to the growing injury list are Hull City’s Semi Ajayi and Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers, who may also miss the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles have struggled in the qualifying matches having won just one out of six matches played so far.
They played 1-1 draws with Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa, before losing 2-1 to the Cheetahs of Benin in Abidjan.
Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 away from home, but they failed to capitalise on that when they drew 1-1 against Zimbabwe in Uyo.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa lead the group with 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin are on 8 points each. Nigeria are on 7 points, with Lesotho on 6 points, while Zimbabwe have 4.
Pinnick tips Eagles for World Cup ticket
Legit.ng earlier reported that former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, remains confident that the Super Eagles will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria face the prospect of missing out on consecutive World Cups as they sit in a difficult spot with their position on the qualifying table.
Source: Legit.ng
