Super Eagles Coach Rohr Explains Ahmed Musa’s Squad Inclusion

Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, has explained the reason why captain Ahmed Musa was included in the 24-man squad for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho.

The inclusion of the former striker of Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in the final team list generated criticism from a section of the local media, as the forward had not played a competitive game for five months since leaving  the club in October last year.

Rohr said that Ahmed Musa was given an honorary place in Nigeria’s squad and is not expected to play. The Super Eagles Coach was forced to explain and defend Musa’s non-playing role as the 24th player.

“It’s important to clarify that Musa is not in the competitive list of 23 players for our game against Benin and Lesotho,” Rohr said in an interview.

“We’ve invited Musa as the captain by making him the 24th player, but he is not as part of the 23 on the list that will play our two matches. What is important now is to focus on the games ahead and not to be distracted by anything else.”

“We hope for all our players to be fit and travel down safely for the matches,” he added.

On the final match day, Nigeria will host Lesotho in Lagos on the 30th of March.

Three-time continental champions Nigeria currently top Group L on eight points, one ahead of Benin. Sierra Leone have three points, while Lesotho have two points.

Chidi Nwoke/Thisday.