Former Nigeria midfielder Edema Fulud has called for the inclusion of experienced forward Ahmed Musah in the Super Eagles squad for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying game next month.
The West African powerhouse next competitive matches will be against Rwanda on March 21, 2025, at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium, followed by a home match against Zimbabwe on March 25, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria has yet to find their rhythm in the qualification series, accumulating just three points from the initial four games.
The former Leicester forward, who recently returned to Nigeria to feature for has joined Kano Pillars has struggled to find his way to the squad since the conclusion of the 2023 AFCON tournament, where Nigeria finished second to hosts, Ivory Coast.
In an interview, the former Julius Berger midfielder highlighted the importance of Ahmed Musah to the team, insisting he can stabilize the Super Eagles as they seek qualification to the biggest soccer mundial.
“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,” Fuludu told Guardian Nigeria.
“Many Nigerians are superstars when it comes to football, and I always feel sad when some people jump to conclusions that players are too old to play for the national team.”
The former Altay midfielder stated Musa’s presence in the Nigeria Premier Football League with Kano Pillars proves he still has something under his sleeve to offer the nation.
“If Ahmed Musa can come back to play in the Nigerian league and stabilize Kano Pillars on the table, there is nothing wrong in including him in the Super Eagles squad for the World Cup qualifiers,” he added.
“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.”
The West African powerhouse has yet to find their rhythm in the qualification series, accumulating just three points from the initial four games.
The Super Eagles hopes to revive their qualification chances under new coach Eric Chelle, who was recently appointed to lead the national team.
Chelle is not new to the African continent, having held managing roles in several countries.
Chelle replaced Finidi George, who resigned following a disappointing start to the World Cup qualifiers, including a draw with South Africa and a loss to Benin.
He is no stranger to African football, having led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, narrowly losing to host nation Ivory Coast in extra time.
