SUPER Eagles captain Ahmed Musa paid a surprise visit to the Golden Eaglets’ Abuja camp and offered them an incentive to win this year’s U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria.
The Sivasspor forward, who is Nigeria’s most capped international, advised the young players to maintain the rich culture of the country’s football and make their families proud at the tournament scheduled for April 29 to May 19.
Musa promised to pay the Golden Eaglets for every goal they score in Algeria in order to inspire them to win the African tournament and qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru.
“You have to work hard. Listen and obey your coaches if you want to succeed at this stage of your football,” the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner told the teenagers at their ParkView Hotel base in the Nigerian capital city.
“Sometimes, I regret that I never played for the Golden Eaglets. You have to make use of this opportunity. You are not the best in Nigeria. Many players out there are better than you. The only difference is that you have the opportunity.
“So, you have to work hard. Pray a lot and be determined to make a name for Nigeria and also for yourselves and your families.
“Do not miss this great opportunity. I was only given five minutes in my debut game for the Super Eagles, but today I am the captain of the team. I never thought I would someday be the captain of the Super Eagles.
“I promise and I assure you that you will be rewarded with N500,000.00 for every goal scored at the U-17 AFCON in Algeria next month. Remember to always play as a team. If you are a defender, play with your mates, same for you that is a midfielder. Do not be selfish as a striker.”
Musa, who won his 109th cap for the Super Eagles in the 2023 AFCON 1-0 away win over Guinea Bissau in Bissau on Monday, added: “Promise me that you will make Nigerians proud. Football is the only thing that unites our country.
“Whether you are a Muslim or a Christian does not matter in football. Winning is what Nigerians are looking forward to.
“So, go to Algeria, conquer and give Nigerians joy.”
Musa played for all levels of the Nigerian national team except for the Golden Eaglets.
He began from the Flying Eagles at U-20s to the Olympic Eagles at U-23s and to the senior Super Eagles.
