Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia attacker, Ahmed Musa has been confirmed as the man to captain Nigeria against Libya in next weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo, as he will again wear the band in place of John Mikel Obi.
This is sequel to information reaching footballlive.ng that the former CSKA Moscow of Russia and Leicester City of England star has regained his status as the first vice-captain of the Super Eagles.
A credible source close to the team recalled that Musa had initially been named the authentic captain of the side by erstwhile coach, Sunday Ogorchukwu Oliseh, but the decision was overturned when Samson Yebowei Siasia took over as interim handler in charge for the AFCON 2015 qualifiers.
Since then, Mikel has captained the team, but the Tianjin Teda of China midfielder has not been included in the Eagles’ roster for the second straight match running, thereby again giving way to Musa to deputise in his absence.
Incidentally, Musa led by example in the last match against Seychelles, as he got the first goal in Nigeria’s 3-0 away with a breathtaking drive at goal, reminiscent of one of two goals he struck against Iceland at the World Cup.
With Musa once again in top form for club and country, a source in the Eagles has confirmed that the Jos-born former Kano Pillars star will wear the Eagles’ band on October 13, Musa will once again wear the band.
That would put to bed speculation about Musa’s role as team leader, considering that four other members of the team – Eddy Ogenyi Onazi, Leon Aderemi Balogun, William Troost-Ekong and John Ugochukwu Ogu – have also played as captain in recent matches.
In fact, Onazi replaced Musa as first vice captain to Mikel last year and had been tipped to follow suit against Seychelles, after what appeared to be a falling out with the main skipper over leadership issues during the World Cup.
However, the source downplayed any intrigue over the issue of Super Eagles captain, and stressed that Musa will still continue in his role as captain ahead of Onazi.
He expatiated: “Musa only took a break from his role as captain when he had family issues that made him divorce his wife.
“Since then he has reclaim his role, while Onazi is the third vice captain, since we have five captains, according to our coach, Gernot Rohr.
“Onazi didn’t lose the band due to any rift with Mikel and Musa is ahead of him. If Onazi is on the pitch and Musa is not then he will captain.”
