Musa to Clock 100 Games v Liberia

Lagos -- September 3 -- Group C World Cup Qualifier (2nd Round) -- Skipper Ahmed Musa clocking 100 games for Nigeria will headline Nigeria's World Cup qualifying game against Liberia. For many countries, a player clocking a century of games for their country is no longer news given the fact that numerous internationals take place in today's football. However, for Nigeria it is still prime news. Only two players have ever clocked that many games for Nigeria -- Vincent Enyeama (101) sand Joseph Yobo (100). Ahmed Musa who earned his first appearance for Nigeria against Madagascar back on September 5, 2010 is set to join that exclusive club when he trots onto the field against Liberia in Lagos.













                                                      Ahmed Musa celebrating a 2018 World Cup goal...spectacular!

Musa debuted for 8 minutes on that date against Madagascar in a Cup of Nations qualifier and his career has been marked by ups and downs but no one can ever question his dedication to Nigeria. He stands as the country's most explosive and leading scorer at the highest level of competition -- the World Cup. Yet, he has faced the indignity of being stripped of captainship during the tumultuous era of national team football. That he later accepted the armband, after that indignity, is a testimony to his strong character.

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He stands as the country's most explosive and leading scorer at the highest level of competition -- the World Cup. Yet, he has faced the indignity of being stripped of captainship during the tumultuous era of national team football. That he later accepted the armband, after that indignity, is a testimony to his strong character.

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But the continued disrespect of this player is such that many ignore his contributions to the team's success. At the 2018 World Cup when he rescued the country in a spectacular rebound with a brace v Iceland after not starting in the previous game against Croatia speaks volumes. But such is Musa's portion as the church in Nigeria would claim. At the 2014 World Cup, he had been benched in a game against Bosnia only to return with an explosive two-goal display against Argentina in the next game. 

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.......But such is Musa's portion as the church in Nigeria would claim. At the 2014 World Cup, he had been benched in a game against Bosnia only to return with an explosive two-goal display against Argentina in the next game. With 17 goals and 16 assists, Musa is often unheralded when compared to celebrated team mates who do not produce similar statistics or drive the team's potential forward.

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Ahmed Musa, fittingly, is still standing as Nigeria bids for a place at yet another World Cup. Against Liberia, the journey begins in a group that also includes Cape Verde and Central African Republic (CAR). Surely, Nigeria is the favorite to get out of this group and head to the final stage (Third Round) where a more excruciating encounter awaits. Musa, starting or not, will drive the team.


















By the end of Ahmed Musa's notable career, there is no question that he will stand tall as not only one of Nigeria's longest-served internationals but a difference maker when it mattered most. This is a speedster whose run down the flanks left defenders panting for cover but it was not just about his pace. It will be remembered that he filled the stats box. His assists are memorable and it must mean something that when Nigeria scores a goal, there is definitely a Musa story somewhere close.

Ahmed Musa has indeed offered his all in defending the colors of his country. No one, perhaps, has ever done more. Clearly, his chapter is about to close but his story is one that will live in the history books of Nigeria's football. Let no one tell you something different. It is remarkable that his World Cup performance for Nigeria, at the zenith of all competitions, remains unparalleled today. It is the mark of who Ahmed Musa is and the history books shall never forget.

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..... but his story is one that will live in the history books of Nigeria's football. Let no one tell you something different. It is remarkable that his World Cup performance for Nigeria, at the zenith of all competitions, remains unparalleled today. 

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