Daily Trust Sunday

Nigerians should always get behind Eagles – Musa

Former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles captain Musa Mohammed recently won his third cap and first competitiv­e appearance with the Super Eagles, he sat down for a chat with FEVER PITCH where he spoke about Eagles chances in the upcoming tough FIFA World C

- By Mansur Abubakar

How did you feel appearing in your first competitiv­e match for super Eagles against Tanzania?

It was an amazing feel because the dream of every player is to one day appear for his country’s senior national, so for me it’s a dream come true and one I’m hoping will continue for a long time because I will like to achieve and win things with the Super Eagles.

You got a yellow card earlier on the game which some felt affected your game a bit, do you agree?

Not at all. It made me a bit cautious though because I know I have to watch my tackles from then on. But overall I feel I played the way I wanted to, helping the team defend and also contributi­ng on the attacking front.

Head Coach Gernot Rohr hailed your performanc­e; did that make you feel extra special?

It’s a good thing whenever your coach tells you that you did well, so I when he told me that he was impressed with my performanc­e I felt good which is natural and it’s also a responsibi­lity on my part, to keep it up and play well whenever I am called upon.

Tell us about Turkey, how well have you adapted to your environmen­t?

All is good in turkey, I have settled well and my teammates and I have a good understand­ing not forgetting the fact that the club’s management have been awesome, doing all they can to make feel welcome and to give my optimal best.

The World Cup qualifiers are on the way, what are your expectatio­ns?

I’m surprised some people are already ruling out Nigeria due to the fact we have Cameroun and Algeria in our group but as far as I’m concerned, eagles fear no country.

We are good enough to emerge from that group and the fact that Algeria and Cameroun are in our group will give us extra motivation to perform.

We know how vital it is to qualify for Russia 2018 and we will not let Nigerians down, it won’t be good for our people to be watching the Mundial without their own country participat­ing in it.

Immediatel­y after Tanzania, you went to see your family, how influentia­l have they been to your career?

Very influentia­l. I really appreciate the fact that they support me especially my mother who has been

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 ??  ?? Mohammed in action for Super Eagles against Tanzania in Uyo
Mohammed in action for Super Eagles against Tanzania in Uyo
 ??  ?? South African team sponsored by Airbus Helicopter­s in action against Kenya at last year’s event
South African team sponsored by Airbus Helicopter­s in action against Kenya at last year’s event

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