Musa Appeals for Victory as Birthday Present Against Benin

Nigeria’s national team captain Ahmed Musa has urged his teammates to deliver a victory over Benin Republic as a birthday gift, with the crucial World Cup qualifier coinciding with his 33rd birthday on 14 October 2025.

The experienced forward, who celebrated his birthday on the same day as the important qualifying match, expressed his desire for the Super Eagles to secure maximum points against their West African neighbours. The match represents a significant fixture in Nigeria’s campaign to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, the Kano Pillars player emphasised the importance of the three points for Nigeria’s qualifying ambitions. The captain stated that there would be no better way to mark his special day than with a commanding performance and victory that would strengthen the team’s position in the qualifying group.

The fixture against Benin comes just four days after Nigeria faced Lesotho on 10 October 2025, forming part of a crucial double-header in the African qualifying campaign. The matches represent important opportunities for the Super Eagles to consolidate their position in Group C of the African qualifiers for the expanded 48-team World Cup.

Ahmed Musa, who has been a stalwart of Nigerian football for over a decade, holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian player to score more than once in a single FIFA World Cup match. His experience and leadership have been vital for the national team through various qualifying campaigns and major tournaments.

The captain’s return to the national team setup earlier this year followed a period of absence, with coach Eric Chelle recalling him to the squad for the World Cup qualifying matches. His inclusion in the expanded provisional squad demonstrated the technical staff’s continued confidence in his abilities and leadership qualities despite his advancing years in football terms.

The match against Benin carries additional significance as it involves neighbouring countries with historical football rivalry. West African derbies typically generate intense competition and passionate performances from both sides, making the encounters particularly challenging regardless of the teams’ respective positions in continental rankings.

Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been closely watched by the country’s passionate football supporters, who have high expectations for the Super Eagles’ performance in major tournaments. The expanded World Cup format, which increases African representation from five to nine automatic qualifying places, has heightened hopes that Nigeria will secure their place at the global showpiece.

The timing of the match on the captain’s birthday adds a personal dimension to what is already a significant sporting occasion. Musa’s appeal to his teammates reflects both his competitive spirit and his understanding of the importance of maintaining momentum in qualifying campaigns where every match can prove decisive.

The Super Eagles have assembled a squad combining experienced campaigners like Musa with emerging talents from domestic and international leagues. This blend of youth and experience has been designed to provide the team with the qualities necessary to navigate the challenges of World Cup qualification.

Benin Republic, whilst not traditionally considered amongst Africa’s strongest footballing nations, have demonstrated in recent years that they cannot be underestimated. The team has produced creditable performances in various competitions and will undoubtedly approach the match with determination to upset their more fancied neighbours.

The venue for the match and the atmosphere created by supporters will play crucial roles in the outcome. Nigerian fans are renowned for their vocal support of the national team, and their presence is expected to provide additional motivation for the players as they seek to deliver the victory their captain has requested as a birthday present.

Ahmed Musa’s career with the national team has spanned multiple World Cup campaigns and Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. His longevity at international level testifies to his fitness, dedication, and continuing ability to contribute at the highest level of African football.

The captain’s public appeal for victory also serves to focus attention on the match’s importance and to rally support from the Nigerian public. By framing the desired outcome as a birthday gift, he has created an additional narrative that personalises what is already a significant sporting encounter.

Success in the qualifying campaign would ensure Nigeria’s participation in what will be a historic World Cup, being the first to feature 48 teams and the first to be hosted across three countries. For a football-mad nation like Nigeria, qualification for such a landmark tournament carries enormous significance.

The match represents another chapter in Ahmed Musa’s distinguished international career. Whether this proves to be one of his final campaigns with the Super Eagles or whether he continues beyond the current qualifying cycle, his impact on Nigerian football over more than a decade has been substantial and will be long remembered.

The technical staff will be hoping that Musa’s leadership both on and off the pitch, combined with the quality available throughout the squad, will prove sufficient to overcome Benin and secure the three points that would represent not just a birthday gift for the captain, but an important step towards World Cup qualification for the entire nation.

As the team prepared for the encounter, the focus remained on executing the tactical plan and maintaining the discipline necessary to secure victory in what promises to be a challenging fixture. The captain’s birthday wish has added an extra layer of motivation for a squad determined to deliver success for their country and their experienced leader.