Captain of the senior national team of Nigeria John Obi Mikel says Ahmed Musa will play a pivotal role in the Super Eagles campaign at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The 24 year old returned back to Russian side CSKA Moscow in January after failing to get game time at English Premier League side Leicester City and according to Mikel that has helped him regain his scoring touch.
Musa has been in sparkling form since the team stepped up their preparations for the World Cup, particularly during preparations the past few days ahead of their first game against Croatia on Saturday.
His form has somehow pushed Chelsea ace Victor Moses out of Team A in their last open session, Musa capped his elevation to the A team likely to start against Croatia with a goal.
Beyond his fine form in training, Mikel also said his presence in the Nigerian team as a player based in Russia will no doubt help Nigeria win some new supporters when they begin their campaign at the World Cup.
“Musa has been playing here for a long time and he’s back. For him (Musa) he needs the playing time. It was good for him to return to Russia.
“Now he’s back and playing regularly and he’s scoring goals.
“He’s in better form and better shape and that will help us a lot. We are happy that the players playing in Russia will help us a lot.
“Maybe we can have more fans to support us. Everything is a plus for us and we hope to capitalize on those pluses”, Mikel said during the press conference they had earlier today.
Samuel Thompson
