Super Eagles and CSKA Moscow of Russia forward, Ahmed Musa, reveals the secret behind the senior national team’s victory against Liberia. He says the Super Eagles will not miss the 2014 World Cup in this interview with

BAMIDELE BOLUWAJI

Ou have been a regular player in the Super Eagles, what exactly is the secret?

I don’t know, I think the coaches will be in better position to tell Nigerians why they have been inviting me but one thing I know is that I am ever committed to my country because I believe that the glory of Nigeria is my glory, so I am always ready to do my best whenever I am invited to come and play. In my club, the officials know that I am always happy to play for my country and they always give me support.

Are you saying Nigeria comes first in your heart?

I am a Nigerian and I am always happy being around to represent my country because after my playing career abroad, I am still coming back to Nigeria.

So how do you feel being part of the team that qualified Nigeria for the 2012 African Cup of Nations in South Africa?

I feel happy as a player because many people thought that it was not going to be possible but with prayers, focus and determination, we were able to do it, so I feel great and happy to be part of the team. It is a thing I will never forget in my life because we were able to wipe away tears from many faces.

After the 2-2 draw in Monrovia, did you ever think that Nigeria will qualify for the Nations Cup?

I knew we were going to qualify but it was not going to be an easy game because the Liberians proved that they were going to be difficult after the first leg. Luckily for us, the second leg was held in Nigeria and we’re sure of getting all the support from our fans. Even before the match, the Liberians were saying different things but we did not allow that to distract our focus because we wanted to go to the Nations Cup.

Do you think you were going to score up to 6 goals in the match?

Well, that is football for you and no one can predict it. All I know is that when a team prepares very well for a match, it can get any result it wants. Since we knew that the Liberians were going to be very tough, we tried as much as possible to prepare very well and we got the result.

They could have as well won the match if we had not prepared well but we knew that anything could happen and we went out for the very best and that is why we were able to score six goals in the match.

Personally, how would you describe the Nations Cup ticket?

It was a big joy for me because Nigeria was not at the last Nations Cup despite all the efforts we put into it and we all knew what the reactions were from Nigerians, so if we could do it this time around, I think we should all be happy and pray that we do better at the Nations Cup in South Africa.

Are you saying that the ghost of the 2012 edition spur you to qualify this time around?

Yes, because if we failed to qualify again, it will affect our football in the international scene and it will also affect us as players. Now, everybody will be saying good things about Nigeria and the Super Eagles and things like that will make us happy.

What do you think actually motivated you and your colleagues to go all out and qualify Nigeria for the Nations Cup?

There was nothing special than our determination to qualify for the Nations Cup and that is why we did not waste any time to score the first goal. We all wanted to go to the Nations Cup and we knew that the only way it can be possible is for us to qualify. The coaches told us a lot before the match and we all promised that we were going to do our best to make sure that we qualify. It was not easy but we thank God.

With what you have seen in the Super Eagles, do you think we have a team that can go all the way to South African and win the tournament?

Yes, we have the players. Both the home and foreign based players are highly talented and I am sure that we can win the trophy. The important thing is our preparation and support from Nigerians, if we have good preparation, nothing can stop us.

How best do you think coach Stephen Keshi needs to prepare the team to be able to win the trophy in South Africa?

I am not a coach, the Big Boss knows what to do and I trust him he will do the best that will help us to win. My own duty is to play and I am always ready to play for Nigeria.

You scored the second goal in the match against Liberia, what does it mean to you?

Laughs...It means a lot to me and I will like to dedicate it to Nigerians who stood by us, prayed and have faith in us even after the 2-2 draw in the first leg match played in Monrovia.

Let’s talk about your team, CSKA Moscow, how are you doing in the Russian League?

Well we are doing well and our target is the very top position, I mean winning the league because we all want to win laurel every season. CSKA is doing well but we can do better and that is what we are working towards.

Musa, do you have any regret leaving VVV Venlo for CSKA?

No, I have no regret at all. When the offer came, I looked at the advantages and disadvantages and I discovered that it was good for me, so I have no regret at all. Since I moved to CSKA, I have been enjoying my play and there is cordial relationship between me and other players.

Can you compare the Russian League with what you have in Holland?

Russian League is very difficult and that is why you can find quality players there. If you are not a good player, you cannot cope there. There are many Nigerians in Russia, ask them and they will tell you that it is even better than Holland and other countries.

Nigeria tops the table for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, do you think the Super Eagles can also scale through?

We are going to do our best. The World Cup is bigger than the Nations Cup and if we can qualify for the Nations Cup, we can also qualify for the World Cup. All we need is to remain focus and show commitment in everything we do.

Finally, how would you describe the experience of playing under Coach Stephen Keshi?

It is a wonderful experience playing under him, he understands players very well, he respects players and knows how to get the best from the players. For someone who has played at both the Nations Cup and the World Cup before, the very best is expected from him.