Portugal vs Nigeria: We really miss Ahmed Musa – NSCDC coach, Ibrahim gives verdict on friendly match
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FC head coach, Abubakar Ibrahim, has revealed that the Super Eagles really miss their captain Ahmed Musa ahead of their international friendly tie with Portugal on Thursday night.
Ibrahim said this while giving his verdict on Nigeria’s friendly tie with Portugal at the Estadio José Alvalade.
Recall that Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, did not include Musa in the list of 23 players he invited for the Portugal clash in Lisbon.
However, Ibrahim believes Musa’s experience and confidence in the game would have been needed in the match against Portugal.
He also backed Peseiro’s men to get a good result against Portugal after failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking with Newsmen, Ibrahim said, “Well, the friendly match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Portugal national team is a big match, and it is going to be a tough game because the list of players invited by Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro are very good players.
“Look at the likes of Ndidi, Lookman Moffi, Moses Simon and Okoye. It is a good team.
“I am very proud of this team. This match is based on two things. Number one, Portugal wants to test their preparation ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“Number two, the Super Eagles are pained that they didn’t qualify for the World Cup, so they are going to try to make sure that they win this match just to tell the world that they are still the Super Eagles.
“And by the special grace of God, I believe they will come out with a good result against Portugal.”
Ibrahim added, “And also we really miss the Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, the senior man, for this match against Portugal because he has a role to play in the team based on his experience in the game, his exposure and confidence.
“Although he is my impasse in the NSCDC Football Club. Even though we have not been in touch with him for long, I know he is still the senior man, we miss him, and I wish him all the best in his glittering career.”