Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has been included in Nigeria’s provisional 39-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Head coach Eric Chelle has named a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, with Musa’s recall standing out as a major talking point.

According to the Super Eagles official X page, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Ademola Lookman lead the list of 39 players invited by the Malian tactician for the crunch games.

Roster for #2026WCQ vs Rwanda and Zimbabwe #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/rljpOZkyyd

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 4, 2025

Other players also in the squad are Stanley Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, Chrisantus Uche, and Kelechi.

Musa returns to the Super Eagles

Musa leads the list of three players including Joe Aribo and Paul Onauchu making their comeback to the Super Eagles squad after a long absence from the national team.

The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League, has not featured for the national team since their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) warm-up match against Guinea.

BREAKING NEWS: Ahmed Musa Returns As Super Eagles Release List For World Cup Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/we1ECCBBhJ

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) March 4, 2025

His return has generated widespread debate among football fans, with reactions ranging from support to backlash.

Mixed reactions to Musa’s inclusion

Musa’s recall has sparked discussions among Nigerian football supporters, with many questioning whether he still deserves a spot in the squad.

Some fans argue that his experience and leadership qualities are invaluable, especially as the Super Eagles aim to bounce back in the qualifiers.

Others believe the Super Eagles should focus on younger, in-form players rather than relying on veterans.

"Captain Ahmed Musa has been nothing short of exceptional for the Kano Pillars this season, and I expected nothing less.” one fan tweeted.

Another fan mocked the return of Musa to the Super Eagles.

“Ahmed Musa in 2025. We’ll never be free loooooool.”

Another fan tweeted:

I just saw Ahmed Musa’s name on Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier squad… pic.twitter.com/AEthduxTOp

— . (@tsnmknd) March 4, 2025

More funny reactions to Musa's Super Eagles comeback

Ahmed Musa in 2025: https://t.co/mm49VOCj1I pic.twitter.com/YTQQrrEsKa

— 2 Cold Scorpio (@Ic3Evaa) March 4, 2025

Another fan tweeted:

What the fuck is Ahmed musa doing here could have called up much more well deserving guys in the NPFL https://t.co/ehmKZJBbDD

— No.1 Licha Martinez Fan⭐️ (@CherryRanger47) March 4, 2025