Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has thrown his full support behind Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, despite missing out on the final 23-man selection, Footynaija.com reports.
Musa, 31, was named in Eric Chelle’s initial 39-man provisional squad but did not make the final cut announced on Tuesday.
However, the veteran forward remains unwavering in his backing for the team, urging the players to give their all as Nigeria aims to reignite their World Cup qualification hopes.
Final list for the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda – Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle drops: Maduka Okoye, Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessers, Uche Chrisantus from the 23-man squad.#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/v7Lmdy3g6g
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) March 11, 2025
“The team is one, and any player called upon to represent the Super Eagles must give their all. I am fully behind the team and will be cheering them on to victory in these World Cup qualifiers,” Musa told Modzerosport.
The former Leicester City winger, who made his Super Eagles debut in 2010, holds the record as Nigeria’s most-capped player and remains one of the nation’s most revered footballers. His four goals across two World Cups cemented his status as a key figure in Nigerian football history.
Musa is also one of the last remaining players from Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, adding to his wealth of experience.
Ahmed Musa . #TotalEnergiesAFCON pic.twitter.com/QIvxQkqi1R
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) March 2, 2025
Nigeria currently sit fifth in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers with just three points from four matches, having drawn three and lost one.
With must-win fixtures against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 and Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25, the Super Eagles must find a way to claim maximum points to keep their qualification hopes alive.
