Many expected Usman Muhammed to make the step up to the main team of the Super Eagles after his well taken goal for the B team of the Super Eagles in a 2-3 friendly loss to Atletico Madrid in Uyo in June.
Usman who was an integral part of the Nigerian team that won bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics has however failed to match the expectations that came to him owing to the way he took out the defenders of Atletico Madrid before slotting home.
Prior to that game he had to endure the disappointment of missing out on a dream move to Barcelona after the club pulled the plug on the deal despite the midfielder impressing during a trial period with the B team of the Catalonia outfit.
Now turning out for Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08, Usman has so far played in just ten games in all competitions with a grand total of only 360 minutes as he has been a bit part player at the modest top division side.
In the league he has played six games raking up just 91 minutes while in the qualifiers for the Europa League he played two games with a total of 91 minutes to his belt. In the Norwegian Cup he has fared better with 194 minutes played in the two games.
It’s clear to see that the goal that was supposed to launch his career has somehow stagnated his growth at club level and also cost him a spot in the national team of Nigeria and at 24 time is running out on the talented lanky midfielder, meaning he has to establish himself now if he is to fufill the potential that saw him play for Nigeria’s senior national team three years ago.
Osas Mahawi
