Ahmed Musa says Nigeria has football talent despite setbacks

Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa says Nigeria’s recent difficulties in both men’s and women’s football do not reflect a shortage of ability. He believes the country has a deep supply of football talent, but that more must be done to find and develop young players.

Musa made the remarks in Kano during the formal launch of this year’s U-13 MILO Sports Clinic and Tournament. He said identifying less-known players should be part of the response to the national teams’ declining fortunes.

The former Nigeria captain also called on businesses and corporate organisations to support government efforts in sports development. He said stronger backing for grassroots and school competitions would give children more opportunities to improve and could help prepare players for future international tournaments.

Musa attended the event as a MILO brand ambassador. His partnership with Nestlé is focused on bringing greater attention to school sports and encouraging children to take part in organised activities where their abilities can be developed.

The 2024 returnee to Nigerian football also committed a personal prize of N1.8 million for the top three teams in the competition. The winners are set to receive N1 million, while the runners-up will collect N500,000 and the third-placed team N300,000.

Musa returned to Nigeria in 2024 to play for Kano Pillars in the NPFL after a career that included spells with VV Venlo in the Netherlands, CSKA Moscow in Russia and Leicester City in England. His latest call for grassroots investment links his experience at the highest level with the need to create a stronger pathway for the next generation of Nigerian players.