Musa welcome to Eagles any time — Ekong

Stand-in Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, says Ahmed Musa remains the captain and is welcome back to the team any time.

The 31-year-old Al-Kholood of Saudi Arabia centre back made the observation in a press conference on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s 2025 AFCON qualifying fixture against Libya at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

“He’s still our captain, and he’s welcome back any time. He’s our most capped player, a good role model, and he’s a good leader. I am happy to deputise for him,” said the Netherlands-born, who is expected to marshal the Super Eagles backline later today.

Aside from being the most capped Nigerian player with 109 appearances for the Super Eagles, Musa is humility personified, with his reign devoid of acrimony.

He represented the country at the U-20 and U-23 levels before graduating to the Super Eagles, weighing in with 16 goals since making his debut in 2010.

Musa became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match after scoring twice against Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

He is also the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions, with a brace against Iceland in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Musa’s club career hit a rough patch in September 2022 when his two-year contract with Turkish club Sivasspor was terminated on mutual agreement.

He was without a club since the time until this month, when he rejoined Kano Pillars for the remainder of the 2024/25 NPFL season.

He hit the ground running with his third stint with his boyhood club, scoring a brace in their 2-0 win over Sunshine Stars in a matchday 5 fixture at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium on Sunday.

“I’m glad to be back in the NPFL and to contribute to my team’s success. Playing here feels special, and I hope to keep making our supporters proud,” Musa stated after his top-draw performance.

His last played for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as an unused substitute in their 2-1 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in the final, but his consistent impressive run with the Sai Masu Gida makes his return to the Super Eagles fold a matter of time.