Former Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, has revealed the pivotal position he performed in guaranteeing Ahmed Musa’s inclusion in Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup squad regardless of considerations over his lack of enjoying time at Leicester Metropolis, Soccernet.ng stories.

The then-26-year-old ahead struggled for sport time with Leicester Metropolis forward of the World Cup in Russia, elevating doubts about his place within the nationwide crew.

Nonetheless, Musa went on to ship a outstanding efficiency, scoring a brace in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Iceland, the Tremendous Eagles’ solely targets on the event.

Pinnick Shares His Impression on Nigerian Soccer

Talking in the course of the CAF Awards ceremony, the place Ademola Lookman was topped the 2024 African Participant of the 12 months, Pinnick recounted how he facilitated Lookman’s change to symbolize Nigeria. He then delved into Musa’s story, emphasizing the affect he wielded throughout his tenure as NFF president.

“After I was within the NFF, I recall when [Ahmed] Musa was about to be dropped from the squad two or three matches earlier than the World Cup as a result of he wasn’t enjoying for Leicester [City]. There have been a number of points,” Pinnick instructed Ojora Babatunde.

“I don’t normally intervene, however I known as the coach and stated, ‘Musa should go for this sport—one of many worldwide pleasant video games.’ The coach requested why, and I stated, ‘In Delta, we name it slot. Simply let him be the twenty fourth participant.’ Guess what? Musa ended up being the hero in 2018.”

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“I recall simply earlier than he (Lookman) performed his first sport for Nigeria. There have been paperwork / correspondence he wanted. I needed to rush to Ikoyi membership to fulfill his dad in guaranteeing I get it personally.”

Former Nigeria Soccer Federation President, Amaju Pinnick is delighted that his… pic.twitter.com/IWobSXv2rr

— Ojora Babatunde (@ojbsports) December 17, 2024

Pinnick’s insistence ensured that Musa, regardless of his struggles at membership stage, donned the Tremendous Eagles jersey on the World Cup and delivered a memorable efficiency.

Musa’s Present Function within the Tremendous Eagles

Musa’s place within the present Tremendous Eagles squad has been a topic of debate. The previous CSKA Moscow ahead final featured for Nigeria throughout a pleasant towards Guinea simply earlier than the 2023 AFCON.

Nonetheless, below coach José Peseiro, Musa didn’t play a single minute on the event, elevating questions on his future with the crew amid competitors from a youthful era of gamers.

Musa’s Return to Kano Pillars

In October, Musa returned to the Nigeria Premier Soccer League with Kano Pillars, the place he started his skilled profession. The 31-year-old has been in superb type, scoring 5 targets and offering two assists in 10 appearances, proving he nonetheless has a lot to supply on the pitch.

Enormous due to all of the wonderful followers who got here out of their 1000’s and confirmed their help yesterday! Your power and fervour hold us giving our very best on the sector. That is why they name us SAI MASU GIDA —due to YOU! Though it wasn’t the end result we wished, we… pic.twitter.com/JLCWQwGVXR

— Ahmed Musa (MON) (OON) ️️ (@Ahmedmusa718) November 18, 2024

Whereas his nationwide crew future stays unsure, Musa’s exploits for Kano Pillars spotlight his enduring high quality and affect in Nigerian soccer.