AFCON 2023: Former Super Eagles star makes case for Ahmed Musa's inclusion, cites Cristiano Ronaldo as an example

Ahmed Musa is the captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria

AFCON 2023: Former Super Eagles star makes case for Ahmed Musa's inclusion, cites Cristiano Ronaldo as an example

Kolawole Babatunde 14:07 - 11.01.2024

Former Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye has highlighted the importance of experienced players in the squad, especially in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ahmed Musa's inclusion in the Super Eagles AFCON squad has been one of the major points of discussion among stakeholders and analysts. However, one-time AFCON winner, Ideye, has made a case for the Eagles captain, citing the importance of his inclusion

The value of experience in the Super Eagles

Former Nigeria international Brown Ideye

Ideye pointed out a key difference in the approach to player selection between Nigeria and other national teams.

Speaking to @54footballx on Twitter, he said "We push out our players early, Ronaldo is still playing for Portugal, why should Ahmed Musa be left out of this AFCON? Musa and Omeruo are the oldest players in the team and only the two players from the last squad that won the AFCON, these are leaders we need in the team. The younger players must be respectful to follow their leadership". 

Leadership and team cohesion: Lessons from 2013

Reflecting on the team's past successes, Ideye reminisced about the 2013 AFCON victory, highlighting the pivotal roles played by veterans like Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama. 

"Joseph Yobo played a huge role in 2013, and Vincent Enyeama as well. Every night after training, we must gather in Vincent's room with Yobo leading the meeting," he recalled. These gatherings weren't just about strategy but also about building team spirit and unity. "We always fight ourselves and discuss how we can improve on the team and help each other. We made sacrifices in 2013 and the leadership of the experienced players was key," Ideye added.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will kick off their AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday by 3:00 PM Nigerian time 

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