Why Musa played against Lesotho—Rohr

 

By Taofeek Babalola

 

Super Eagles Head Coach Gernot Rohr has explained his decision to feature team Captain Ahmed Musa in the last Group L Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Lesotho on Tuesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Musa’s invitation to the Nigerian national team raised eyebrows but Rohr said that the former Leicester City forward was in camp to train and keep his fitness level.

But surprisingly, Musa was introduced as a second half substitute in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Crocodiles of Lesotho in Lagos, replacing Kelechi Iheanacho in the 86th minute.

Musa is yet to find a new club since he left Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr in October 2020 and his last competitive match before Tuesday’s game was on November 13 when he featured in the Super Eagles’ 4-4 draw against Sierra Leone.

Rohr said that the technical crew was left with no choice than to play Musa in the game after he passed a physical test and he was in good shape.

“We missed so many wingers; Kalu, Moses Simon, Iwobi in the first game and Musa not playing club football. But Finally, Musa played because we had 21 players and he made it 22.  So he could come in. He was there and he was fit. He passed the physical test and Musa was in good fitness level. There was no reason not to allow him to come in. He is the captain of the team and we wanted to help him find a good club now,” Rohr said.