21st April, 2011
VVV Venlo forward, Ahmed Musa is seen as one of the most exciting young prospects in Nigerian football. The youngster burst onto the scene at the end of the 2009/2010 Nigeria Premier League, NPL season where he emerged top scorer with 18 goals for Kano Pillars. Already capped at the senior international level by Nigeria, Musa is also an integral member of Nigeria’s U-20 football team, the Flying Eagles. After an audacious performance in the opening game against champions, Ghana (which the Flying Eagles won 2-1) at the ongoing African Youth Championships, AYC in South Africa, Musa bared his mind on his performance and other issues.
How was your first game against Ghana at the AYC?
It was a difficult game but we thank God we won. The opening match of any tournament is always very important.
And now you are heading back to your Dutch club?
The team will miss me but I believe we have several quality replacements for me. VVV Venlo host Heerenveen on Saturday in a Dutch league game.
How crucial is this game to your club’s survival in the Dutch top flight?
If we win this game, we will qualify to take part in the play-off for relegation and promotion. The spirit in the team is very high and I believe we will get the result we need to make the play-offs. Also, if we win this game on Saturday, then I could fly back on Sunday to the AYC. If not, it will be difficult for me to come back unless of course we qualify for the final.
We don’t pray for it but should Venlo be relegated eventually would you stay at the club?
I don’t have anything to say as regards that. It will all depend on my agent.
We already heard that there are some top European clubs very interested in signing you in the summer?
Yes my agent has told me that a lot of clubs are interested in me, but everything will depend on him.
But what is most certain is that you will be available for the World Cup in Colombia should Nigeria qualify?
Yes, that’s for sure.
You have already featured for the Super Eagles as well as the Under-20. What of also playing for the Olympic team?
I’m yet to be called up by the Olympic team but it is possible to play for them when I’m free and I’m picked by the team. It is possible I could feature for the team in their next Olympic qualifiers in June.
That means you will be thrilled to also feature at the Olympics next year in London?
I would love to do that because I’m always very proud to represent my country.