Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has shed light on the departure of football stalwarts Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, and Odion Ighalo from the national team, placing the blame squarely on the fervent Nigerian fanbase, as reported by SUNDAY PUNCH.
Musa, addressing the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, expressed regret about the premature retirements, citing media pressure as a pivotal factor.
He emphasized the ongoing need for experienced players like Mikel Obi and Victor Moses, emphasizing the importance of their guidance for the younger squad members.
Read also:France Clinches 14-0 Victory in UEFA EURO Qualifier
Mikel bid farewell to the Super Eagles in 2019 following their third-place finish in the Africa Cup of Nations, while Moses stepped back after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Musa appealed to the media to ease the burden on young players, highlighting the impact of social media scrutiny on their on-field performance.
Ahmed Musa Speaking In An Interview With Punch
“What do you think forced Odion Ighalo out of Eagles? They threatened to kill his family, and he had to quit.
“Why will you threaten to kill my family just because I play for my country. When you go outside, you see how they worship us, but when you come back home they treat you like nobody,” he said.
In a shocking revelation, Musa disclosed the distressing circumstances surrounding Odion Ighalo’s departure, citing death threats targeting the striker and his family on social media.
The captain condemned the hostility faced by players upon returning home, despite the admiration they receive abroad.
Despite Ighalo’s initial retirement after the 2019 AFCON, he was later called back for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, only to be blocked by his club, Al Shabab. Musa, who made his Super Eagles debut at 17, holds the record for the most appearances in the national team, boasting 108 games.
As Nigeria gears up for crucial matches, Musa’s revelations provide insight into the challenges faced by players, urging a more supportive environment for the younger generation while highlighting the unspoken hardships that led to the departure of football luminaries.
