Ahmed Musa Urges Super Eagles To Gift Him World Cup Ticket On His Birthday

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has rallied his teammates to give him “the best birthday gift ever”, a victory over Benin Republic that would strengthen Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a video posted on the Super Eagles’ official X handle on Tuesday morning, the 33-year-old forward expressed excitement about his birthday and used the occasion to send a passionate appeal to his teammates ahead of their decisive qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

“Hello guys, today is the day, and today is my birthday,” Musa said in the short video message. “We all know what is at stake. This is the best birthday gift that you’re gonna give me, guys. I miss you all, and I wish you the best of luck.”

A captain’s rallying call

Musa, Nigeria’s most-capped player, reminded the squad of the importance of the match, urging them to play with the same intensity and determination they showed in their previous outing.
“I know you can do it. Let’s do it again today. Best of luck,” he added.

The Super Eagles’ captain’s message has stirred excitement among fans, many of whom flooded social media with birthday wishes and motivational responses, encouraging the team to deliver a crucial win for both the captain and the country.

Pressure mounts on Nigeria to deliver

Nigeria’s qualification hopes are on the line as they prepare to face a resurgent Benin Republic side that currently tops Group C with 17 points, three more than the Super Eagles, who sit in third place. South Africa trails the leaders by just one point, creating a tense three-way battle for the group’s only automatic qualification slot.

Having failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Nigeria is under immense pressure to avoid another painful absence. The Super Eagles have not missed consecutive World Cups since making their debut in 1994, and the players are aware that anything short of victory in Uyo could deal a fatal blow to their 2026 dreams.

Team insiders say the atmosphere in camp remains upbeat, with key players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and William Troost-Ekong reportedly focused and motivated by Musa’s words.

A legacy moment for Musa

The match also carries emotional weight for Musa, who has hinted at the twilight of his international career. Having represented Nigeria at two World Cups (2014 and 2018) and scored four goals across both tournaments, the captain remains a national hero and symbol of perseverance.

Fans and pundits alike see his message not just as a birthday wish, but as a rallying cry for the new generation of Super Eagles to uphold the nation’s football legacy.

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Nigeria’s clash with Benin Republic kicks off at 5 p.m. local time in Uyo, with thousands expected to fill the 30,000-capacity stadium. A win would keep the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes alive and, as Musa put it, serve as “the perfect birthday gift” for the team’s inspirational leader.