Volgograd: Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa became ‘Lionel Musa’ on social media in Argentina, Friday after his two goals against Iceland which not only put the Africans back on course for a last 16 place, but also restored the World Cup hopes of the South Americans.
However, the Nigerian has warned his new-found hero status in Argentina is likely to end abruptly Tuesday when the two countries meet in a decisive Group D game in St Petersburg.
“Whenever I play against Argentina, or whenever (Lionel) Messi is playing against me, I score. Four years ago, in Brazil when Messi was playing against me, I scored two goals,” said Musa, referring to the 3-2 win for Argentina over Nigeria in a group game in Porto Alegre where Messi also netted twice.
Whenever I have played against Messi in the opposition, I have scored two goals. Hopefully it will happen again when we play Nigeria
Ahmed Musa
“When I joined Leicester City and we played against Barcelona and Messi was on the pitch too, I scored another two goals, so I think in the next game anything can happen. Possibly, I’m going to score another two goals,” added the Nigerian.
The 25-year-old has become the first Nigerian to score at different World Cups and with four goals the country’s all-time record scorer in the main draw of the tournament.
“I’m very good at breaking records and I’m happy now to be the top scorer at the World Cup for Nigeria. It’s not easy but I have to thank my coach for his support because if he didn’t believe in me he wouldn’t put me in the pitch,” Musa pointed out.
The attacking winger also said that the game against Argentina is crucial for his career and many others in the team.
“We know the importance of the last game, it’s do-or-die,” pointed out Musa. “We have to win, we can’t afford to lose. By the 95th minute we will know who carries the day and, by the grace of God, we are going to work very hard to achieve our goal.”