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'Ahmed Musa again'- Nigerians react as NFF releases Super Eagles list for Mexico and Ecuador friendlies

Joba Ogunwale 16:17 - 10 May 2022

Ahmed Musa wants 60,000 Nigerian fans to show up for Super Eagles clash against the Black Stars of Ghana

The Fatih Karagumruk star headlines a 30-man list released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the friendly games against El-Tri and La Tri. 

Nigerians have hit out at the NFF over the 30-man Super Eagles squad for the friendly against Mexico later this month and the match against Ecuador in June.

Musa headlines Super Eagles 30-man list

The 30-man list for the two games is a combination of old and new faces. Team captain Ahmed Musa headlines the list, with old faces like Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo, Semi Ajayi, and Oghenekaro Etebo also included.

Alex Iwobi makes his return after missing the World Cup playoffs against Ghana, while Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and Sadiq Umar are also included.

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Ademola Lookmana and Calvin Bassey, who both made their debuts against Ghana, are also in the squad. In-form Cyriel Dessers has been rewarded for his exceptional performances alongside RB Salzburg's Samson Tijani and Royal Antwerp's Alhassan Yusuf.

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There are also places for home-based players, with the likes of Ojo Olorunleke, Adewale Adeyinka and Babatunde Nosiru all in the squad.

List of invited @NGSuperEagles players for international friendly games vs #Mexico and #Ecuador in the US. #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/DxyDTKOOz2
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) May 10, 2022

However, despite the invitation of some new faces, Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction with the list. Some questioned the inclusion of Musa, while many others hit out at the NFF over the absence of Victor Osimhen.

What is Ahmad Musa still doing in the squad? We should be thinking of growing the future team
— Captain® (@D_truthmachine) May 10, 2022

Ahmed Musa again. Wow. https://t.co/ukyXhCx2RH
— OMO OLOKUNESHIN 🐎 👑 🌶️ ⚽ (@Crisp_Lord) May 10, 2022

Why is Ahmed Musa still in our squad forgossake ? https://t.co/bJii3WvStR
— AyoT (@AyoT_) May 10, 2022

A section of the fans also asked who would lead the team out, given the 2013 African champions are currently without a coach.

Why is osihmen not invited? The keepers no uzoho Why... Is salisu d main coach or what... @haiamkophee
— Igebina A. oghenaogie 🇳🇬 (@IgebinaA) May 10, 2022

Who's the coach?
— DJ FIERCE (@ogbeniriliwanu) May 10, 2022

No Uzoho? No Osimhen? No Iheanacho? I don't gerrit!
— Ikechukwu (@iyke_nwabuko) May 10, 2022

Dear NFF, if we have no coach or interim coach, who compiled the list? If one will be appointed before the game, does that mean he’ll be starting work with imposed players? Or will the NFF president lead the players for this game? Wetin dey worry Una sef?
— Dayo (@NoErrors01) May 10, 2022

Start of a new era for the Super Eagles

But despite the fans' anger, the Mexico and Ecuador friendlies will be the start of a new era for the Super Eagles.

The three-time African champions will hope to put their World Cup failure behind them as they start a new chapter. The Super Eagles missed out on World Cup qualification after losing to Ghana via away goals.