Fuludu: Ahmed Musa’s inclusion, a great advantage

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Edema Fuludu, has carpeted those campaigning against the return of former team captain, Ahmed Musa to squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is under scrutiny over reports suggesting Musa’s recall for the World Cup qualifiers, while reacting to the development, insisted that the decision to recall Musa lies with Coach Eric Chelle. But for Fuludu, including Musa in the team for the World Cup qualifiers will be an added advantage for the Super Eagles.

“The Super Eagles are in dire need of results to put our World Cup campaign back on track, and I feel someone like Ahmed Musa has a crucial role to play. Many Nigerians are super stars when it comes to football, and I always feel sad when some people jump to conclusion that players are too old to play for the national team.

“If Ahmed Musa can come back to play in the Nigerian league, and stabilise Kano Pillars on the table, there is nothing wrong in including him in Super Eagles squad for the World Cup qualifiers. We have seen situations, where older players became saviours for many teams in tight situations. We all know Ahmed Musa as one of the most dedicated players to play for the national team. After all, he has not officially announced his retirement from international football. I feel he still has a role to play in the Super Eagles if the coach wants him.”

Musa, who is Nigeria’s most-capped player with 110 appearances and 18 goals, including four at the World Cup, mutually terminated his contract with a Turkish side last year to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Super Eagles has had a poor start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, failing to win any of its first four matches. Nigeria are fifth in Group C with three points while Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin top the group with seven points respectively.