Since his return to the NPFL – on his own terms – Ahmed Musa has been a big influence among other factors on the quality expected on the pitch and off it.
The vastly experienced player has a big reputation in the league today as he did in his breakthrough season back in 2009 as a 17 year-old.
Many years since and Musa has gone on to establish himself as an icon, and he looks like there’s still some juice left in that tank to cement his legacy.
That legacy might involve Musa leading a team to the African Nations Championship (CHAN), if he so desires.
Rabiu Ali and Musa. Photo | X
At the moment he is ineligible to enter the 2025 CHAN due to a clause in the Competition rules.
Article 38.2 states that, “only players with permanent contract registered in a local club affiliated to their national association are eligible to participate in the African Nations Championship.”
CHAN tournament regulation on player eligibility.
In October when Musa returned to Kano Pillars, head coach Usman Abdallah hinted that the 32 year-old had signed a formal contract with an exit clause.
The most capped Nigerian player might return abroad, perhaps for his last dance, but here is a chance presented to do what none before him had achieved.
Nigeria can qualify and go on to win the CHAN next year, and Musa twill enter the history books again adding that to his AFCON winner’s medal.
2013 African Cup of Nations celebrations. (Photo | STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images)
However, Musa might have deeper reservations about playing for this CHAN Eagles, and it won’t be over the quality of players.
Three years ago in Cameroon, as captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa played only 27 minutes all tournament.
Eguavoen (R) during the 2021 AFCON match against Tunisia. (Photo by DANIEL BELOUMOU OLOMO/AFP via Getty Images)
Austin Eguavoen was interim coach following the NFF’s sacking of Gernot Rohr.
Eguavoen restricted Musa’s game time to 25 minutes against Sudan in Nigeria’s second group match and the final 2 minutes of an ill-fated round of 16 match against Tunisia.
Musa was disgruntled about being sidelined and had insinuated it would be his last AFCON appearance, albeit he would eventually return for the next edition.
Their relationship was frosty, and clearly one tolerated the other. Even inside sources confirmed a mediation became necessary to keep harmony in camp, as Musa grew increasingly agitated.
Super Eagles team captain Ahmed Musa during the pre-match press conference at the 2023 AFCON. Photo | BRL
His game time has dwindled drastically since, even in Cote d’Ivoire Musa did not play a single minute, but he was given a role behind the scenes.
Since then, Eguavoen has returned as interim coach, as well as the head coach of Nigeria’s CHAN team.
Musa has also not made an official statement on his availability or interest to play in the CHAN, in spite of the chance to amend his contract.
A photo session of Players in the CHAN Eagles camp after their training in Abuja.
What seems certain though is that Musa; the most influential player in the NPFL today, will not be available when Nigeria vies for the CHAN ticket.
