“Only A Miracle Can Save Us” Ahmed Musa Speaks On Nigeria’s World Cup Chances

Super Eagles veteran and newly appointed General Manager of Kano Pillars, Ahmed Musa, has admitted that Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are hanging by a thread.

Musa, 31, who addressed reporters on Thursday during his first official press conference in his new role at the Sani Abacha Stadium, said Super Eagles’ qualification for the World Cup depends on a “miracle”.

He pointed to an ongoing controversy involving Lesotho’s match against South Africa as Nigeria’s last glimmer of hope.

“Only miracle would take Nigeria to the World Cup, because right now we are in a deep shits,” Musa said bluntly.

According to reports, South Africa may have fielded two ineligible players, both of whom had accumulated yellow cards, in a recent qualifying match. Should FIFA rule that this constitutes a breach of competition regulations, there’s a chance Nigeria could be awarded the points, potentially altering the group standings.

“If FIFA cancelled the scores of Lesotho against South Africa… the possibility would be that the points would be allocated to Nigeria,” Musa noted.

Despite his grim assessment of the national team’s situation, Musa struck a more hopeful tone when turning attention to Kano Pillars.

The new general manager of Kano Pillars unveiled an ambitious nine-point agenda aimed at returning the four-time Nigerian champions to elite status.

“We are going for the trophy this time around,” Musa declared.

“I come with a nine-point agenda for the club, to revive the glory of the club. That is why I urge Kano sports lovers to fully support us. I promise to do all I can to revive the club.”

Musa’s appointment to lead Kano Pillars while remaining an active player has raised eyebrows, but he addressed the dual role with clarity.

“Inside the pitch, I’m a player, and the coach has the right to punish me. But outside the pitch, I’m the boss, so the clarity is there,” he explained.

With Kano Pillars aiming to reestablish themselves after a disappointing campaign last season, Musa emphasised the need for financial backing and community engagement.

“We need the government to help stabilise the club, but alongside the management, we have already begun writing to several companies for sponsorship. Very soon, we will get it right,” he said.

He also acknowledged a recent uptick in the club’s digital activity, calling it a positive sign. “The improvement in our online presence shows that we are moving in the right direction. Support is growing, and that matters.”