Former Eagles’ midfield maestro, Etim Esin has warned Super Eagles’ skipper, Ahmed Musa, not to end his career with the recent move from Russia’s CSKA Moscow to Premiership champions, Leicester City.
Musa just signed a record four-year deal with the English club to join other Super Eagles players who are currently plying their trade in the English Premier League.
The Foxes moved swiftly to make the Eagles’ striker their fourth signing of the summer after he recorded 13 goals in 30 league games for CSKA last season.
But Esin, a former Nigeria international, urged Musa to watch out and ensure that he does not get stuck in England as most players coming from the Russian league to England did.
Esin said he would not like him to become a bench warmer after joining the club, just as Julius Aghahowa ended his career with Wigan some years ago.
“I strongly hope that Musa is a different player and he would make good the opportunity to raise Nigeria’s banner in England like John Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo and others.
“I do not want him to end up like Aghahowa as a striker. Musa is a good player with great character and the EPL leaders saw those attributes in him. He would definitely shine with Leicester,” Esin said.
Leicester City technical officials are already thinking about how to make the Nigerian their secret joker when the EPL kicks off.
“I will advise Musa to continue with the same form he took to City and play himself into the hearts of Leicester’s fans who have been thronging the training site of the club just to watch the former CSKA attacker sweating it out,” he said.
Esin recalled that Aghahowa was a delight when he was playing for Russia’s Shaktar Donetsk before his move to Wigan in England, but failed in his mission to make a good impact at the club.
“It is good to make a move but at the same time, someone needs to be careful about it and work hard to shame the critics and doubters of your progress. One needs a conducive atmosphere to bring out his best and I know that Musa will not disappoint his fans. I’m excited that more Nigerian players are playing in the EPL. The trend will definitely encourage other upcoming players to always aim high,” he said.
