Head coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr says Ahmed Musa will not feature in his side’s double-header 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho, theheritagetimes.com can report.
The 67-year-old Franco-German tactician has insisted that Musa was only given an honorary place in the squad.
Musa’s inclusion in Rohr’s 24-man squad has garner reactions owing to the forward’s inability to find a club since leaving Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr in October.
However, Rohr has defended his decision to invite his team captain for the upcoming matches.
“It’s important to clarify that Musa is not in the competitive list of 23 players for our game against Benin and Lesotho,” Rohr told BBC Sport Africa.
“We’ve invited Musa as the captain by making him the 24th player, but he is not as part of the 23 on the list that will play our two matches.
“What is important now is to focus on the games ahead and not to be distracted by anything else. We hope for all our players to be fit and travel down safely for the matches.”
The Super Eagles need a point to qualify for the 2022 AFCON as they lead Group L with eight points after four rounds of matches.
Rohr’s men face Benin in Porto-Novo on March 27 and then welcome Lesotho to Lagos three days later to round up their qualifying campaign.
