Super Eagles captain and Nigeria’s most-capped player, Ahmed Musa, has made a passionate appeal to his teammates, urging them to deliver a crucial victory in their World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic as a special birthday present.
Musa, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on the day of the crucial match, shared a video message on the Super Eagles’ official X account just hours before the decisive Group C World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The Birthday Wish: A World Cup Qualification Victory
The veteran forward stated clearly that a win in the match, which is critical for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes, would be the “best birthday gift” his teammates could offer him.
“Hello guys, today is the day, and today is my birthday,” Musa said in the video. “We all know what is at stake when they get and wait for the result of South Africa–Rwanda. I know you can do it. This is the best birthday gift that you’re gonna give me, guys. I miss you all. I wish you best of luck.”
The Super Eagles are currently fighting for a play-off spot in a tight Group C. They sit third with 14 points, needing to defeat the group leaders, Benin Republic, and hoping that South Africa fails to win their concurrent match against Rwanda in Mbombela. A loss in this game would be particularly devastating, as Nigeria risks missing two consecutive World Cup tournaments for the first time since their debut in 1994.
The team enters the match without key players, including the suspended Ademola Lookman and the injured defenders Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Musa urged his teammates to replicate the spirited performance they showed in their last outing to secure the much-needed result.
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