The explanations given by Musa for Mikel, Moses, and Ighalo's departure from the Super Eagles

The Super Eagles’ captain, Ahmed Musa, sheds light on the departure of Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, and Odion Ighalo from the national team, attributing it to the intense scrutiny of Nigerian fans.

Ahmed Musa attributes retirements of Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, and Odion Ighalo from Super Eagles to intense media scrutiny
Musa urges media to ease pressure on young talents and reveals distressing circumstances leading to Ighalo’s departure

Ahmed Musa’s candid disclosure raises a crucial question about the toll media scrutiny takes on football players, especially those with illustrious careers like Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, and Odion Ighalo. The relentless focus on their performances, both on and off the field, can become an overwhelming burden, affecting their mental and emotional well-being. Musa emphasizes the need for a balanced perspective and encourages the media to play a supportive role in the development and longevity of players’ careers.

Addressing the circumstances surrounding the retirement of these seasoned players ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Zimbabwe, Musa emphasized the impact of media reports on their decisions.

“We lost crucial players due to media pressure,” lamented Musa, expressing the team’s ongoing need for players like Mikel Obi and Victor Moses.

Despite the infusion of young talent, Musa stressed the necessity of experienced players to guide them, a void currently felt within the team.

Mikel bid farewell to the Super Eagles in 2019 after the Africa Cup of Nations, while Moses exited the post-2018 World Cup in Russia.

Appealing to the media, Musa requested leniency towards young players, acknowledging the strain they endure from fans’ expectations.

“I implore the media to ease the pressure on these young talents. They can’t perform under constant scrutiny,” pleaded Musa.

Additionally, Musa disclosed the distressing circumstances surrounding Ighalo’s departure, citing death threats on social media directed at the striker and his family.

“Why force Ighalo out with threats against his family? It’s disheartening to be treated this way after representing our country,” expressed Musa.

Ighalo initially retired after the 2019 AFCON but faced obstacles in returning for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations due to club restrictions imposed by Al Shabab.

Musa, who made his debut at 17, emphasized the need for support for the younger players, emphasizing the pressure they face on social media platforms.

In closing, Musa, with 108 appearances, holds the record for the most games played for the national team, underscoring his commitment to the Super Eagles.

Ahmed Musa’s candid revelations regarding Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, and Odion Ighalo’s retirements from the Super Eagles serve as a powerful reminder of the complexities and challenges that footballers face, both on and off the field. As the media landscape evolves, there is an urgent need for a more compassionate and balanced approach to reporting on athletes. Musa’s plea for easing the pressure on young talents echoes a broader call for a supportive environment that fosters the longevity of players’ careers and recognizes their humanity. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that the stories we tell about footballers contribute positively to their well-being, allowing them to flourish not just as athletes but as individuals navigating the multifaceted journey of professional sports.