Musa tells Argentina he is not their hero
VOLGOGRAD, Russia: Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa became ‘Lionel Musa’ on social media in Argentina on Friday after his two goals against Iceland which not only put the Africans back on course for a last 16 place, but also restored the World Cup hopes of the South Americans.
However, the Nigerian has warned his new-found hero status in Argentina is likely to end abruptly on Tuesday when the two countries meet in a decisive Group D game in St. Petersburg.
“Whenever I play against Argentina, or whenever (Lionel) Messi is playing against me, I score.
“Four years ago, in Brazil when Messi was playing against me, I scored two goals,” said Musa, referring to the 3-2 win for Argentina over Nigeria in a group game in Porto Alegre where Messi also netted twice.
The second came in the 75th minute, when after a break down the wing, Musa cut inside and waltzed around the goalkeeper before patiently firing the ball into the net.
It ensured Nigeria, with three points, went second in Group D, behind Croatia who have already qualified after successive victories, but ahead of Argentina and Iceland, both on one.
Nigeria’s success also ensured a renewed window of opportunity for Argentina, who were hammered 3-0 by Croatia in Nizhny Novgorod on Thursday, but now have a realistic chance to qualify if they beat the Africans on Tuesday.
“We know the importance of the last game, it’s do-or-die,” added Musa. “We have to win, we can’t afford to lose. By the 95th minute we will know who carries the day and, by the grace of God, we are going to work very hard.”