Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has departed the team’s Unity Cup camp in London due to personal reasons, just days after making his long-awaited return to the national team.
Musa, who last featured for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), had been absent from the squad after leaving Turkish club Sivasspor and going without a club for several months. However, his return to competitive football with Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last October reignited his international prospects.
The 31-year-old forward enjoyed a strong domestic season, contributing 10 goals and two assists in 23 appearances for Pillars—a resurgence that earned him a recall under coach Eric Chelle. He made his return in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Ghana in the Unity Cup on Wednesday, coming off the bench in the 62nd minute and delivering a solid performance.
READ MORE: Fans beg Eric Chelle to replace Victor Boniface with Cyriel Dessers in world cup squad after perfect unity cup outing
Despite the win, Musa will miss Nigeria’s upcoming final against Jamaica after leaving camp abruptly. According to Tobi Adepoju, the veteran forward exited due to personal commitments, leaving Chelle with a reshuffled squad ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Ahmed Musa in action for Kano Pillars
In a surprising development, Brentford defender Benjamin Fredrick—who was not initially invited—was spotted training with the team. The former Nigeria U20 international, who previously played for Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, joined the squad’s tactical sessions as Chelle fine-tuned preparations for the final.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
The Reggae Boyz secured their place in the final after a thrilling 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago, setting up an exciting showdown with Nigeria. With Musa absent, the Super Eagles will rely on other attacking options as they aim to clinch the inaugural Unity Cup trophy.
While Musa’s departure is a setback, his return to form and the national team suggests he could still play a role in Nigeria’s future campaigns—including the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
