Musa, Troost-Ekong Make Demands Ahead Of Clash With Ghana

Super Eagles' captain, Ahmed Musa and his assistant, William Troost-Ekong have both made strong demands ahead of Nigeria's clash with Ghana next month.

 

Both sides are scheduled to clash across two legs in Accra and Abuja to decide one of five African tickets to Qatar 2022 World Cup.

 

With that task in view, Musa and Troost-Ekong have both echoed the essence of Nigeria being part of the global soccer carnival at the end of this year.

However, both players went on to admit that officials of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the sports ministry have key roles to play in ensuring that the target becomes realisable.

 

They both looked ahead of the first leg in Accra and reverse fixture in Abuja, as they buttressed the need for the Nigerian authorities to ensure that the Eagles' home venue is in peak condition.

 

With the reverse fixture already confirmed for Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Musa and Troost-Ekong noted that only a surface in that is in good shape would augment the Eagles' quest for victory.

 

The skipper, who now plays for Fatih Karagumruk of Turkey, was specific that the Eagles also need support from their fans in the arena.

 

In similar vein, the vice-captain, who stars for Watford of England, confessed that he still has fond memories of playing on smooth pitches at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

 

The central defender posited that unexpected factors could swing match in favour of their rivals if proper plans are not put in place.

However, while enthusing that they will pick the ticket to Qatar 2022, both players admitted that their major source of worry is about the second leg in Lagos

 

Musa concluded: "We just want the NFF to help us get enough fans into the Abuja Stadium for the second leg.

 

"We will go to Ghana and dig our feet and ensure we get a (good) result."

 

Troost-Ekong concluded: "We loved the pitch of the stadium in Garoua and it helped us play some good football.

 

"We would be delighted if the Abuja stadium is in similar condition for the second leg."