From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has sounded a strong warning about the future of Nigerian football, stating that failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be a major setback for the country’s football development.
Musa, who was in Ilorin on Sunday, made the remarks at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Center, where he praised Nottingham Forest striker Awoniyi for his contribution to the sports journalism community in Kwara State.
“The Super Eagles are in a very difficult situation right now, but we believe in ourselves that we can still scale through,” Musa said.
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He emphasised the significance of securing a spot at the World Cup, stating, “It is going to be a big disaster for Nigerian players not to be at the World Cup. A whole generation of talented players would be lost, and with it, the confidence of upcoming players.”
With the Super Eagles currently in fifth place in Group C behind South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Benin, Musa stressed the importance of their upcoming qualifier against Rwanda.
“The important game is Rwanda. If we can get the three points from that match, it’s going to be a turning point for us. But it is not just a job for the Super Eagles alone. Every Nigerian must be involved because we need their support,” he said.
Musa also lauded Awoniyi for supporting the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Kwara, urging fellow players to give back to their communities.
“I want to say a very big thank you to my younger brother, Taiwo Awoniyi, for this magnificent building he has built for SWAN. Every footballer needs to learn from what Awoniyi has done,” he added.
The Super Eagles captain is in Ilorin with Kano Pillars for their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture against Kwara United. Reflecting on the league’s progress, he commended the improvements in Nigerian football.
“This is not my first time playing in the Nigerian league. Back in the days, you could never go to an away game and win, but things are changing. Look at the match between Lobi Stars and Ikorodu United, where the home team lost to the Lagos side. It shows that the league is improving,” Musa said.
With the crucial Rwanda game ahead, all eyes are on the Super Eagles to turn their fortunes around and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
