AFCON 2023: ” Nigeria more deserving”- Ahmed Musa

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa suggested Nigeria deserve the AFCON 2024 trophy, ahead of Sunday’s final against Ivory Coast.

At 31, Musa has not yet played a minute in Ivory Coast, but coach Jose Peseiro has emphasised his significance in the squad.

In a pre-match conference ahead of the AFCON 2023 final, Musa expressed the team’s determination to clinch their fourth title against the hosts.

“We deserve it from the very first day, so, we’re going out to give our very best,” Musa told the media.

Discussing potential changes in Ivory Coast’s side since the dismissal of Jean-Louis Gasset, Musa downplayed significant alterations.

“I don’t think there’s anything new about them; it’s just a few tactical and personality changes.”

If Nigeria emerge victorious in the AFCON 2023 final, Ahmed Musa and Kenneth Omeruo will become the first-ever Super Eagles players to secure the AFCON title twice, having previously won the title in 2013 in South Africa.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s head coach Peseiro, has expressed his admiration for Super Eagles captain Musa ahead of the team’s clash with Cote d’Ivoire.

Despite Musa’s probable absence from the starting eleven, Peseiro acknowledged his importance, referring to Musa as his assistant and emphasising his vital role in the team’s success in Cote d’Ivoire.

Peseiro hails Musa’s impact in Super Eagles AFCON squad
Peseiro stated, “Ahmed Musa is special and important to the team. He is my assistant. He advises me, and he gives me the necessary support.

“He is committed in his role, and he can play. We shall wait and see tomorrow, but we want to win the AFCON for Musa to lift the trophy.”

With previous AFCON victories in 1980, 1994, and 2013, Nigeria aim to secure the title for the fourth time with a win over Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.