The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday published the list of invited players submitted by Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, for the country’s international friendly games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique and once again Ahmed Musa was not included in the squad.
Nigeria take on the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in the city of Portimão, Portugal on Friday, October 13 before a clash with Mozambique in the same city three days later.
The players are all expected to arrive in Faro, Portugal on Tuesday, October 10.
Musa missed the Eagles last Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe after he was reported injured.
The 30-year-old omission from the Eagles squad didn’t come as a big surprise as the player has only made nine nine-minute appearance for Sivasspor in their last three games.
Musa was an unused substituted as his Turkish side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Ankaragücü on matchday 5 of the Turkish league.
He featured for only nine minutes in their 1-1 draw against Caykur Rizespor and once again was not called upon in another draw against Hatayspor last Saturday.
The captain’s absence sparked wild jubilations among some football faithful on social media.
Reacting to the list on the Eagles X handle, Faith Collins wrote, “Thank God Ahmed Musa is dropped. We move.”
Igbobadboye added, “Finally free from Ahmed Musa’s grasp. Thank you.”
Michael Palermo wrote, “I’m glad they have forced Musa out since he didn’t want to respect himself.”
King Kenny sarcastically wrote, “Wow first time since 200 years Musa is not being called up.”
DeekJacob also said, “So, finally we have bin A Musa like this.”
“No Ahmed Musa, Walai, we are winning,” Forby tweeted.
Meanwhile, Peseiro handed first Eagles call-up to Hatayaspor FC midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The 22-year-old has been in fine form for his Turkish side, scoring four goals and registering two assists in seven matches.
Peseiro also recalled defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielder Alex Iwobi and forward Terem Moffi to the Eagles’ squad for this month’s international friendly matches.
In goal, the Portuguese tactician retained the trio Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye and Olorunleke Ojo in goal.
Yet-to-be-capped defender Jordan Torunnarigha was also invited for the games.
As expected, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Boniface all made the squad.
