Ahmed Musa Interview: Every Word On Preparations, Eagles Injury Problems, Chukwueze, South Africa Team

Published: November 15, 2018

The Super Eagles will take on South Africa in a match day five Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon and would qualify for next year's tournament in Cameroon if they avoid defeat.

Here's what Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa told allnigeriasoccer.com after training on Wednesday evening.

South Africa are aware they are in trouble if they drop points against Nigeria, how ready are you for this game?

''As you can see, the team we are all ready, we are just waiting for Saturday to come.''

What are the conditions in your mind, playing an opponent that defeated Nigeria the last time they met in Uyo?

''That is football, you have to play to win, if we lose it's nothing but we are going over there to win. After ninety minutes we will see the outcome of the game, so it's not that we are under pressure, they are the ones under pressure. Going over there it's like we are playing at home because there are lots of fans, so we are not worried.''

How are you rallying the boys considering the injury problems and absentees?

''That is football. It is not always you will be fit, everyone called up to play is always ready to play so I don't think there are difficulties in the team.''

As captain of this team going to this game, what are your impressions about the new boys called up for the first time (Chukwueze)?

''Everybody wants to have the opportunity to play for Nigeria, so whoever is giving the opportunity is going to show his talent, so I think everybody is ready to play for the game''.

Losing the first game in Uyo, does it provide additional motivation apart from qualifying for the Nations Cup?

''We are not going to disrespect South Africa because they talk a lot. We are going there with full respect, everybody is ready. The outcome of the game is determined after ninety minutes, we are going out there to win not to lose. ''

Ifeanyi Emmanuel