Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, has revealed the pivotal role he played in ensuring Ahmed Musa’s inclusion in Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup squad despite concerns over his lack of playing time at Leicester City.
The then-26-year-old forward struggled for game time with Leicester City ahead of the World Cup in Russia, raising doubts about his place in the national team.
However, Musa went on to deliver a remarkable performance, scoring a brace in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Iceland, the Super Eagles’ only goals at the tournament.
Pinnick’s insistence ensured that Musa, despite his struggles at club level, donned the Super Eagles jersey at the World Cup and delivered a memorable performance.
In October, Musa returned to the Nigeria Premier Football League with Kano Pillars, where he began his professional career. The 31-year-old has been in fine form, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 10 appearances, proving he still has much to offer on the pitch.
While his national team future remains uncertain, Musa’s exploits for Kano Pillars highlight his enduring quality and influence in Nigerian football.
