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Ahmed Musa has a strong case for being a Super Eagles legend, as evidenced by his World Cup heroics and consistent performances. Meanwhile, Kanu's achievements, including AFCON titles and Champions League wins, make him a hard act to surpass definitively.
Microblogging platforms X (formerly Twitter) has been agog with the debate of who's the superior Super Eagles legend between Ahmed Musa and Nwankwo Kanu.
The debate kicked off after a viral video from PulseSports Nigeria where one of our analysts defended Ahmed Musa as being head and shoulders above fan favourite Nwankwo Kanu.
However, the debate ultimately depends on how you weigh individual brilliance against team success and the specific eras in which they played.
Ahmed Musa vs Kanu Nwankwo
Ahmed Musa, with his World Cup heroics and consistent performances, has a strong case for being a Super Eagles legend. However, Kanu's achievements, including AFCON titles, Champions League wins, and individual accolades, make him a hard act to surpass definitively.
In this report, we will highlight Musa and Kanu's contribution to the Super Eagles.
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20:40 - 20.04.2024
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Kanu's Achievements
Kanu won the Olympic gold medal with Nigeria in 1996: Kanu's Olympic achievement is a significant part of his legendary status. His pivotal role in captaining the Dream Team to beat the likes of Brazil and Argentina and clinch the Olympic gold in 1996 further cements his legendary status.
UEFA Champions League Winner (1995): Winning Europe's most prestigious club competition is a significant achievement that sets Kanu apart from others.
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Individual accolades: Kanu won the prestigious African Player of the Year award twice (1996 and 1997) and was a prolific goalscorer throughout his career with top clubs like Arsenal, Ajax, and Portsmouth.
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19:30 - 22.04.2024
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Musa's Credentials
World Cup impact: Musa holds the distinction of being the only Nigerian player to score multiple goals in two separate World Cups - two in 2014 and two in 2018.
The 2014 World Cup in Brazil marked the arrival of a young and rapid Ahmed Musa. During a group stage match against Lionel Messi's Argentina, Musa announced himself to the world.
His blistering pace and clinical finishing was on full display. He netted the first goal for Nigeria with a powerful strike in the 4th minute, drawing Nigeria level after Lionel Messi had put Argentina in front.
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20:25 - 11.04.2024
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The game soon became the Musa vs Messi show. The former Barcelona star put Argentina in the lead again, and a few minutes into the second half, Musa doubled his tally with another impressive finish to level matters again.
It took a Marcos Rojo strike in the 50th minute to settle the tie in Argentina's favour but Ahmed Musa had made his mark on the international scene and became an instant national hero.
Four years later, at the World Cup stage in Russia, a more experienced Musa continued his impressive form - in a crucial group-stage match against Iceland, Nigeria needed a spark, and Ahmed Musa provided just that, not once, but twice.
His first goal was a moment of pure opportunism, as he pounced on a defensive error and slotted the ball home with ease. Later in the match, he displayed his trademark pace, sprinting past defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net. Musa's brace secured a vital 3-2 win for Nigeria, keeping the Super Eagles World Cup hopes alive.
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16:40 - 02.04.2024
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Musa's World Cup heroics have solidified his place as a legend in Nigerian football, leaving a lasting impression on fans and inspiring future generations of players.
Musa Win 2013 AFCON: Ahmed Musa also played a pivotal role in Nigeria's triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Musa's story at the 2013 AFCON goes beyond individual statistics. He was part of a collective effort that brought glory to Nigeria.
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17:41 - 02.04.2024
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Comparing players from different eras can be challenging due to changes in playing styles and overall competition. While Musa has impressive individual stats, Kanu's contributions to AFCON victories highlight team success.
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