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Tag: Ahmed Musa

  • Now I’ve another reason to admire Ahmed Musa, says Owolabi

    Now I’ve another reason to admire Ahmed Musa, says Owolabi

    Felix Owolabi, a former Green Eagles player, on Thursday said Ahmed Musa’s decision to play for Kano Pillars has further endeared the Super Eagles Captain to him.

    Owolabi, a former player of IICC Shooting Stars now known as Ibadan Shooting Stars, told the News Agency of Nigeria of Nigeria (NAN) that Musa’s move will further boost the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    The Super Eagles Captain will be playing for his former club, Kano Pillars, for the rest of the season after leaving the Saudi Arabia Pro League.

    “This is highly commendable, now I have another reason to admire him, the truth is its not new, late Rashid Yekini did same, even Daniel Amokachi, and I think its admirable.

    “Imagine what will happen at Liberty Stadium if Kano Pillars is playing with Shooting Stars, the crowd in the stadium will be massive.

    “Imagine what that will do for our league, our league will be better for it.

    ”As a player regular playing time is very important, he understands that, I don’t see it as a sign of retrogression,” he said.

    NAN reports that Musa has been a free agent since his departure from Saudi Pro League side, Al Nassr, on Oct. 25 2020.

  • Gov Ganduje to unveil Ahmed Musa at Kano Pillars

    Gov Ganduje to unveil Ahmed Musa at Kano Pillars

    Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje will be the one to unveil Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa at Kano Pillars.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Musa, out of contract, sensationally returned to Kano Pillars FC for the reminder of the 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League season (NPFL).

    Musa previously played for the Pride of Kano in 2009 when he ended the season as the top scorer in the NPFL with 18 goals before moving to VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands.

    According to a statement from the office of the chairman of Kano Pillars, Alhaji Surajo Shuaibu Jambul and signed by the media officer, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa, Governor Ganduje will unveil Musa before the commencement of the second stanza of the league.

    The statement revealed that the Sai Masu Gida have agreed to sign Musa until the end of the 2020/21 football season.

    Amongst the contractual agreement reached between Musa and Kano Pillars was that anytime the player got an offer, he would be released by the club.

    According to Malikawa, the club agreed to the deal after due consultations with the player and the League Management Company of Nigeria (LMC) that stood as a mediator to the deal.

    “Ahmad Musa is our own and Pillars FC will continue to support him anytime and anywhere he found himself,” Malikawa said.

    Kano Pillars are currently leading the log alongside Kwara United with 36 points each from 19 matches.

  • AFCON Qualifiers: Rohr inivtes Captain Musa, 23 others for Squirrels, Crocodiles

    AFCON Qualifiers: Rohr inivtes Captain Musa, 23 others for Squirrels, Crocodiles

    Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has invited 24 players in preparation for 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying battles with Benin Republic and Lesotho scheduled for March 27 and March 30 respectively.

    A statement issued by Ademola Olajire, Director of Media and Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said the Super Eagles who are top of Group E log with eight points would be hosted by the Squirrels of Benin Republic on March 27, in Porto Novo.

    Olajire stated that the team would then return to the country on March 30, to face the Crocodiles of Lesotho, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, for the concluding match of the qualifying series.

    The list of players invited for the double-header included captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forward Victor Osimhen.

    Also invited are Enyimba FC goalkeeper John Noble, defenders Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and forwards Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.

    Abdullahi Shehu also made the list as a midfielder this time and a first senior call-up for Spain–based forward Sadiq Umar.
    Seven players, including long-time goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, are on standby.

    The Super Eagles could earn a ticket to the finals in Cameroon before kick-off in Porto Novo, should Lesotho and Sierra Leone end their encounter in Maseru in a stalemate.

    The result of the match would be known before the kick-off of the encounter between Super Eagles and the Squirrels of Benin Republic, in Porto Novo.

    It will be recalled that Rohr had steered Nigeria to qualifying for two major tournaments: 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    THE FULL LIST

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); John Noble (Enyimba FC); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

    Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Tyronne Ebuehi (FC Twente, The Netherlands)

    Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Abdullahi Shehu (Omonia Nicosa, Cyprus); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Unattached); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Sadiq Umar (Almeria FC, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Kalu (FC Girondins Bordeaux, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)

    Standby: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Peter Olayinka (Slavia Praha, Czech Republic); Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Michael Olise (Reading FC, England); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors).

  • ‘He’s a person of interest’ – Sam Allardyce on Ahmed Musa

    ‘He’s a person of interest’ – Sam Allardyce on Ahmed Musa

    West Brom manager, Sam Allardyce, has confirmed that former Leicester City winger, Ahmed Musa, is set for a trial with his squad before the January transfer window’s closure next week.

    Allardyce said that West Brom are interested in signing Musa this January transfer window.

    According to him, he would alert everybody when the Nigerian captain arrives in England this week.

    Allardyce said this on Monday during his pre-match press conference ahead of West Brom’s Premier League clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Tuesday night.

    Providing an update on Musa, Allardyce said, “He’s not here yet, so until he turns up.

    “He’s a person of interest, and when he arrives, we will alert everybody and let them know.”

    Musa, who is set for a short-term deal with West Brom, is a free agent after leaving Saudi side, Al-Nassr last year.

    The 28-year-old has played in the Premier League before during his time at Leicester.

  • How Ahmed Musa, Rohr voted in the Best Fifa awards

    How Ahmed Musa, Rohr voted in the Best Fifa awards

    Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa voted Lionel Messi as the best men’s player for 2020 while coach Gernot Rohr picked Robert Lewandowski for the Best Fifa Men’s Player award.

    Following an incredible 2019-20 season with Bayern Munich, Lewandowski claimed the coveted recognition on Thursday after beating Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Messi to the top prize.

    Despite their contrasting choice of winners, Rohr and Musa both had an African star who helped Liverpool end their 30-year wait for an English top-flight title and also won the Fifa Club World Cup last season, in their picks.

    After selecting the Polish striker as his winner, Rohr picked PSG star Kylian Mbappe for the second spot while Senegal’s Sadio Mane was placed in the third position.

    Musa, on his part, chose Messi to lead his pick followed by Lewandowski and Mane in the second and third places, respectively.

    When the official voting results were released, Lewandowski had a total of 58 points while Ronaldo managed 38 points and Messi had 35 points.

    Goal

  • EPL clubs offered chance to sign Ahmed Musa

    EPL clubs offered chance to sign Ahmed Musa

    Premier League clubs are being offered the chance to sign Ahmed Musa.

    The Nigerian veteran is a free agent after being released by Al Nassr last month.

    According to TEAMtalk, Musa has interest throughout Europe, but would most likely be tempted to come to England.

    He is 28 and still feels he can offer a lot.

    Musa has history in England, as he signed for Leicester City three years ago.

    But he did not have a good time at the club, leaving 18 months later on loan to CSKA Moscow and eventually to the Saudi league.

    Musa managed 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 58 games for Al Nassr.

  • AFCON: NFF releases Super Eagles squad to face Sierra Leone

    AFCON: NFF releases Super Eagles squad to face Sierra Leone

    The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has released a 24-man list of players invited for their upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sierra Leone.

    The list features highly-rated Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen who was notably missed in the Eagles squad for their friendly match against Algeria and Tunisia.

    Ahmed Musa, the Eagle’s captain was also invited for the match after his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nasr was abruptly terminated.

    However, Genk forward, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers, was not invited after being capped in this month’s friendly.

    The Super Eagles take on the Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Friday, 13th November before flying to Freetown for the return game on Tuesday, 17th November at the Siaka Stevens Stadium.

    Full List:

    Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Sebastian Osigwe (FC Lugano, Switzerland); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

    Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)

    Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Galatasaray, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (FC Twente, Netherlands); Frank Onyeka (FC Midtjylland, Denmark); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (NIL); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Emmanuel Dennis Bonaventure (Club Brugge, Belgium); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia)

    Standby: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Samson Tijani (TSV Hartberg, Austria); Abdullahi Shehu (Omonia Nicosia, Cyprus); Ramon Azeez (Granada CF, Spain); Kelechi Nwakali (SD Huesca, Spain); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium)

  • Saudi club announce Ahmed Musa’s departure

    Saudi club announce Ahmed Musa’s departure

    Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr have officially confirmed Ahmed Musa’s departure from the club.

    Musa, 28, is now a free agent and is reported to have parted ways with the club mutually as he hopes to continue with his professional career in Europe.

    In a post on social media, the Najd’s Knight established the jet-heeled forward’s exit while wishing him the very best.

    “Thank you Nigerian falcon, wishing you all the best in the future Ahmed Musa!,” Al Nassr tweeted.

  • How NFF and FIFA celebrated Ahmed Musa at 28

    How NFF and FIFA celebrated Ahmed Musa at 28

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Fifa have celebrated with Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa on his birthday.

    The forward was born on October 14, 1992, in Maiduguri, and has been sent wonderful messages on his 28th birthday.

    The forward has enjoyed great success on the international scene since breaking into the limelight at the 2010 Wafu Nations Cup, hosted in Nigeria.

    The football governing bodies have sent birthday wishes to the winger, recollecting his impressive showings for Nigeria.

  • Ahmed Musa, Onuachu last to arrive Super Eagles’ Austria camp

    Ahmed Musa, Onuachu last to arrive Super Eagles’ Austria camp

    Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa and Genk FC forward Paul Onuachu have arrived the Super Eagles’ camp in Austria, to beat the Tuesday’s deadline for arrival of players ahead of international friendly with Algeria.

    Super Eagles Media Officer Toyin Ibitoye disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

    He said both players were the last to arrive the team’s camp as handler Gernot Rohr who now has a full complement of his players, prepares them for the Friday, Oct.9 encounter against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.

    Onuachu was invited lately after Napoli striker Victor Osimhen pleaded to be excused from the two friendly matches due to COVID-19 protocols.

    “Musa and Onuachu were the last to arrive in the camp, but they participated in Tuesday’s evening training,” Ibitoye said.

    According to him, the team will train twice every day before the match.

    Ibitoye also said that all the players and officials in camp passed through the COVID-19 checks to ensure that they were free from the virus.

    The Super Eagles are expected to battle the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on Oct. 13, in their second friendly encounter in Austria.