![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/5jKmvMVjfSdIK6cBzc2n03p1jhQ=\/719x407\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fsoccernet.ng%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FScreenshot_20250816_203350_Chrome.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Nigeria Super Eagles captains William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa. Photo by Oty Silas Copyright<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Nigeria\u2019s preparations for September\u2019s World Cup qualifiers have been dealt another serious blow with captain Ahmed Musa<\/a> emerging as a major doubt for the crucial fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Super Eagles are set to host Rwanda<\/a> at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on 6 September before travelling to Bloemfontein three days later for a potentially decisive meeting with Bafana Bafana.<\/p>\n With both matches carrying significant weight in the qualification race, the absence of the country\u2019s most senior player would be a setback.<\/p>\n Musa picked up an injury<\/a> during Kano Pillars\u2019 clash with Plateau United in the final of the Gusau Ahlan Preseason Tournament on Friday.<\/p>\n The 32-year-old forward lasted just 14 minutes before being withdrawn, sparking concerns about his fitness. Pillars eventually won the game on penalties after a goalless draw.<\/p>\n Get Our Sports News First \u2013 Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The timing is particularly cruel for Musa, who had only recently worked his way back into the national set-up.<\/p>\n After being overlooked throughout 2024 by Finidi George<\/a> and Augustine Eguavoen, the veteran winger was recalled by current coach Eric Chelle for the Unity Cup<\/a> in London earlier this year, where he featured in the 2-1 victory over Ghana.<\/a><\/p>\n Watch as Chiedozie Jude Okorie rises high to power in a sumptuous header from Ahmed Musa\u2019s pinpoint cross, giving us the lead against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.<\/p>\n Sai Masu Gida! pic.twitter.com\/QizxpdQOzx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 Kano Pillars FC (@pillarsfc) August 13, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Before the setback, Musa had been in impressive form for Kano Pillars. He scored and assisted in a 2-0 semi-final win over Wikki Tourists and was named Man of the Match.<\/p>\n Watch our second goal against Wikki Tourists calmly converted from the spot by Ahmed Musa.<\/p>\n Sai Masu Gida! pic.twitter.com\/LxYHGVo73Q<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 Kano Pillars FC (@pillarsfc) August 14, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Just days earlier, he was instrumental in a 3-0 victory against Katsina United. His dual role as both club captain and General Manager had further emphasised his influence in Kano.<\/p>\n Should Musa fail to recover in time, Chelle will have to turn to other attacking options.<\/p>\n Victor Osimhen<\/a> continues to thrive in Turkey, Paul Onuachu has rediscovered his scoring touch, Tolu Arokodare is enjoying a fine spell at KRC Genk, while Victor Boniface<\/a> remains a central figure at Bayer Leverkusen.<\/p>\n Even with such firepower, Musa\u2019s absence would be felt. Beyond his on-pitch contributions, the veteran provides invaluable leadership to a squad still blending youthful exuberance with international experience.<\/p>\n Musa\u2019s injury concerns add to a growing worry for Chelle who could be without Hull City defender Semi Ajayi<\/a> and Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers for the the World Cup qualifiers.<\/p>\n Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong usually shoulders the responsibility as Super Eagles captain whenever Musa is unavailable.\u00a0<\/p>\n For now, Nigeria await updates on the fitness of their skipper ahead of two matches that could shape their World Cup destiny.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/eBx1v_F2Cc2iGyANltN8DVtmkOs=\/750x500\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fsoccernet.ng%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2Fimago1045886159.jpg\")
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/XlNYTFYi1EofKTpTwtJ3ssWnFCc=\/750x1125\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fsoccernet.ng%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FGyTZmuAXcAY_xbn.jpeg\")
\n
\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/b-1y6H2ktsfmp4L3kUxl22_nCzk=\/750x500\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fsoccernet.ng%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FGyKVgw4X0AAMlyZ.jpeg\")
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/6GEd9dAmNhp1UzNgPRgUXdH4L6I=\/750x729\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fsoccernet.ng%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2Fimago1039936382.jpg\")
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/aHGzvPUrFVj1WoXGw7308qAaUAQ=\/150x150\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fsoccernet.ng%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F12%2FDSC_0327-copy.jpg\")
\t\t<\/p>\n