Former Nigeria international Etim Esin has backed the invitation of Ahmed Musa ahead of the Super Eagles 2021 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho.
Despite being clubless, Musa was included in the 24-man squad released on Tuesday.
But Esin, speaking with Completesports.com, posited his influence will be needed in the team even of he does not get full playing time.
“Musa can be a big influence in the team. Maybe he might not play the full 90 minutes but he can add something.
Also Read: Rohr Invites Sadiq , Uzoho, Musa, 21 Others For Benin, Lesotho Games
“How many players have scored the number of goals Musa has scored at the World Cup? So, he being in the squad can galvanize them to perform well.”
And on Paul Onuachu not making the 24-man squad, Esin said:”I think he should be given a chance to perform he is on form scoring goals and he has that (Rashidi) Yekini structure.
“I think he struggles in the Eagles because if you look at it does he has the players who can feed him they way they feed him in his club?”
” So we need those players who can understand him and release the ball to him so that he can deliver, players who can cross the ball like Finidi, Amuneke because in those days flank was our biggest weapon.”
Meanwhile, other players who made the cut for the double-header fixtures are the likes of Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, Tyronne Ebuehi and Chidozie Awaziem.
Others are Samuel Kalu, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Sadiq Umar, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble.
Aside Onuachu, others on the standby list are Henry Onyekuru, Peter Olayinka, Michael Olise of Reading, Lorient forward Terem Moffi, Adekunle Adeleke of Abia Warriors and Daniel Akpeyi.
The Eagles top Group L on eight points and are one point ahead of Benin Republic.
They will be guests to Benin Republic on Porto Novo on Saturday, 27th March before ending the qualification series against Lesotho three days later at the Teslim Balogun stadium, Surukete, Lagos.
By James Agberebi
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COMMENTS
INVITATION OF A.MUSA:THAT IS TOTAL NON-SENSE.BECAUSE OTHER PLAYERS THAT ARE NOT IN BEST FORM OR CLUBLESS WE WILL BE EXPECTED TO B CALL-UP.THERE IS SENTIMENTAL BEHIND THIS.
Invitation of Musa at the expense of the hottest striker in Europe now is the greatest insult Rohr and his technical team will rob on football loving Nigerians. Is this another case of federal character?
I read and say his influence on the team in and out is needed, this is rubbish. You play against Benin and Lesotho and you are anticipating trouble?SHAME!!!.
To me leaving Paul Onuachu out is an admission that Rohr does not know how to utilise this player(technical deficiency)PERIOD!!!
Maybe musa is Gumi’s relation or he probably has fulani blood. The untouchables.Super Eagles has been compromised.
We all have our opinions, to me u cant buy experience from the market musa has paid his dues if the coach decide to pick him so be it,