Time to bring Musa back – Nigerian urges NFF to recall Kano Pillars captain for World Cup Playoffs

As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon, calls are growing louder for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to recall veteran forward and Kano Pillars captain, Ahmed Musa, to the national team.

The appeal gained traction on social media after Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle released his 24-man squad for the upcoming playoff in Rabat, Morocco.

An X (formerly Twitter) user, Nawas Moshood, sparked the conversation, emphasising Musa’s invaluable leadership both on and off the pitch.

“I think it’s high time we bring Musa back to this team in a similar role to that of the last AFCON. His leadership quality is very much needed here,” Moshood posted.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final of the World Cup African Playoffs at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

In the other semi-final, Cameroon will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 18,000-capacity El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat.

Only the winners of these two semi-final ties will progress to the next stage, where a World Cup slot will be up for grabs.

Coach Eric Chelle has called up a blend of experienced internationals and emerging stars for the decisive playoff.

The list includes captain William Troost-Ekong, striker Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey.

Midfielders Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, and Raphael Onyedika are also included, alongside forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Chidera Ejuke.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye makes a return to the team, while young talents like Benjamin Fredericks, Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle are also part of the setup.

Defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi will, however, miss the first leg after serving a one-match suspension due to accumulated yellow cards during the qualifying series.

Although Musa has not been part of the national team setup in recent months, his influence during Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 campaign in Ivory Coast remains fresh in the minds of many fans.

The 31-year-old, who holds the record for Nigeria’s most capped player, is widely respected for his leadership, discipline, and motivational role in the dressing room.

With several young players in the current squad, some supporters argue that Musa’s presence could help boost morale and maintain focus under pressure.

The Super Eagles are expected to arrive in Rabat from their respective clubs in Europe and beyond by Monday, November 10, ahead of the first-leg clash on Thursday, November 13.

The winner of the Nigeria–Gabon matchup will face the victor of the Cameroon vs DR Congo tie in the final playoff round.