Former Nigeria striker Benedict Akwuegbu has urged the national team to recall Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho as the Super Eagles prepare for their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
Despite their wealth of experience, both players have been absent from recent squad selections. Iheanacho, currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Sevilla, has been in fine form but remains overlooked by the national team setup. Musa, meanwhile, returned to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with Kano Pillars after leaving Turkish club Sivasspor and has continued to perform well.
Akwuegbu Highlights Experience and Leadership
Speaking from London, Akwuegbu stressed the importance of having seasoned players in the squad, particularly with crucial World Cup qualifiers ahead.
He believes Musa, Nigeria’s most-capped player, still has the ability to contribute despite the physical demands of domestic football.
“Iheanacho and Musa have qualities that the team needs,” Akwuegbu stated. “Experience is vital in big tournaments and qualifiers, and they still have a role to play in guiding the younger players.”
World Cup Qualification Hopes
Nigeria faces a challenging path to the 2026 World Cup and must secure at least three wins from their remaining four qualification matches.
Akwuegbu remains optimistic but insists that the presence of experienced figures like Musa and Iheanacho could be decisive in strengthening the squad’s performance.
The Super Eagles’ next qualifiers will test the depth of the team, and Akwuegbu’s call for reinforcements reflects a broader concern about ensuring Nigeria does not miss out on football’s biggest stage.
