Nigeria national team captain Ahmed Musa has stated that he does not pay attention to those calling for him to retire from the Super Eagles.
The Sivasspor man is the country’s most-capped player with 107 caps to his name. He has been an integral part of the team since making his international debut in 2010, going on to score 16 goals.
Musa’s involvement in the team has however reduced in recent times, last starting a game in a 2-0 away win against Central African Republic in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier on October 10, 2021. This has led to some to believe the former CSKA Moscow player should call it a day for the Super Eagles.
Musa has insisted he will continue to play so long he is called-up.
“All the people asking me to retire, when Musa was scoring goals, where are they?,” Musa said ahead of Nigeria’s 2023 AFCON qualifier with Guinea-Bissau.
“Definitely we love our country, no matter what, whoever they call they have to come. I don’t have to listen to anyone, I’m the one doing my job.
“If my body wants me to stop, I stop. I am playing always with my club, why do you want me to retire in the national team?
“If the coach does not want to call me anymore that’s fine, but if the coach always gives me invite, I’ll always honour it.
“This is what I’m playing, this is what I know how to play and always when I come to the national team I always give my best since from day one.”
Match Day! Together we will win. Kick Off: 5pm. Venue: MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja. #SoarSuperEagles #AFCON2023Q #NGAGNB pic.twitter.com/Nr6caVzSyc
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 24, 2023
Nigeria lead Group A of the qualifiers with two wins from their first two matches, defeating Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe 2-1 and 10-0 respectively.