Super Eagles Captain Sends Direct Message to Nigerian President, Reacting to His Critics
After facing criticism from their own president, the captain of the Super Eagles has responded with a direct message.
The recent performance of the Nigerian Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 has sparked both scrutiny and encouragement from the nation’s leadership.
Following remarks from President Bola Tinubu expressing his expectations for an enhanced display from the team, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has responded with a direct plea for support.
Ahmed Musa, renowned for his prowess on the field as a forward and left winger for Turkish Süper Lig club Sivasspor, has become a symbol of Nigerian football excellence.
His historic achievements, including being the first Nigerian to score multiple goals in a FIFA World Cup match, have solidified his status as a national hero.
However, recent remarks from President Tinubu, conveyed through Sports Minister John Enoh, have highlighted areas where the team can improve.
The Super Eagles secured qualification for the AFCON 2023 (2024) round of 16, tallying just 3 goals scored, drawing one match, and conceding only 1 goal while winning 2 matches. With 7 points, they were level with first-place Equatorial Guinea.
Despite qualifying for the AFCON 2023 round of 16 with a commendable performance, President Tinubu expressed a desire for the team to elevate their game further as they progress through the tournament.
He said, “I had a meeting with the president yesterday. I went to the villa for something else, and the president cornered me and said we (the Eagles) managed to qualify, and I said that’s how we are going to keep going until we win the tournament.“
“He said that I should tell the players that he wasn’t too impressed with the last match, but he knows that now that they are off the group stage, they are going to impress him more.“
In response to this call for improvement, Musa has issued a heartfelt message directly to President Tinubu, urging him to witness the team’s journey firsthand rather than through television screens.
With Nigeria set to face Cameroon in the round of 16 and potentially Angola or Namibia in the quarter-finals, Musa’s call for support carries immense significance.
“Don’t watch us on TV anymore: Super Eagles captain Musa sends message to President Tinubu,” reads the headline, encapsulating Musa’s plea for tangible support from the nation’s leadership.
By inviting President Tinubu to witness the team’s efforts in person at the ongoing AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire, Musa emphasizes the importance of solidarity and encouragement from all quarters.
As the Super Eagles continue their quest for AFCON glory, Musa’s message serves as a rallying cry for unity and support from all Nigerians, including the highest echelons of leadership.
With the nation’s hopes riding on their success, the team looks to turn criticism into motivation and strive for excellence on the field, guided by the unwavering support of their fans and leaders alike.
