Former Nigerian international and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Garba Lawal has voiced his support for Ahmed Musa’s return to the Super Eagles following the forward’s outstanding performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Musa, 32, has been absent from the national team setup since February 2024, missing both the June FIFA World Cup qualifiers and all six of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers from September to November. Despite these omissions, the experienced forward has continued to shine at club level, reigniting discussions about his place in the national squad.
Musa’s Revival in the NPFL
After successful stints in Europe and the Saudi Pro League, Musa returned to the NPFL to join Kano Pillars and has quickly reestablished himself as one of the league’s top performers. With five goals this season, Musa has not only propelled Kano Pillars to sixth place on the NPFL table but also showcased his hunger and determination to remain relevant at the highest levels of football.
Lawal, impressed by Musa’s resurgence, praised the former Leicester City star’s consistency and leadership, emphasizing his impact both on and off the pitch.
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“Musa has done well since coming back to Kano Pillars,” Lawal told Complete Sports. “Scoring regularly in a challenging league like the NPFL is no small feat. It shows his passion for the game and his determination to prove he still belongs among the best.”
Leadership and Influence
Musa’s presence has been a game-changer for Kano Pillars. His influence has helped the team remain unbeaten in their last four matches, with his leadership qualities positively impacting younger players.
“We all know how tough the NPFL can be,” Lawal remarked. “Despite that, Musa has managed to score five goals. That’s commendable.
“There’s no doubt he’s inspired his teammates, especially the younger ones. Having a player of his stature in the league is rare. The young players would have learned invaluable lessons from his dedication and work ethic. He’s a true role model.”
Super Eagles’ Challenges and Opportunities
The Super Eagles boast a plethora of attacking talent, including stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq, and Taiwo Awoniyi. However, inconsistency in form has plagued some of these players, leaving room for experienced figures like Musa to stake a claim for a comeback.
Musa’s last appearance for Nigeria came during the 2023 AFCON tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. While his role in recent years has often been as a squad player, Lawal believes that his current form and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset.
“Musa brings something special with his experience,” Lawal said. “He has proven he can still perform at a high level, and that could be beneficial for the Super Eagles.”
Ultimately, the decision lies with interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen, who will need to weigh the forward’s contributions in the NPFL against the demands of international football.
The Bigger Picture
The Super Eagles recently ended their year on a disappointing note, losing 2-1 to Rwanda in a friendly match. Despite already securing qualification for the 2025 AFCON, the loss highlights some of the challenges facing the team, including a need for greater consistency and leadership.
Musa’s potential return could provide both experience and inspiration as Nigeria prepares for the tournament. With his five goals in the NPFL and a renewed sense of purpose, the veteran forward is making a strong case for inclusion in the squad.
As the Super Eagles look to regroup ahead of the AFCON, Ahmed Musa’s performances at Kano Pillars serve as a reminder of his enduring quality and commitment to the game. Whether or not he earns a recall to the national team, his impact on Nigerian football remains undeniable.
