Garba Lawal praises Musa

Idris Adesina

Garba Lawal has praised Leicester City forward, Ahmed Musa, for his first goal in the Premier League for the club.

Musa, who is Leicester’s second most expensive player behind club record signing, Islam Slimani, scored his first goal for the club on Saturday in their 3-1 defeat of Crystal Palace.

It was the Super Eagles forward’s third start in six appearances for Leicester since his arrival from Russian champions, CSKA Moscow.

Former Nigeria midfielder Lawal believes the goal will boost Musa’s confidence going into the Eagles’ Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo on November 12.

The former VVV Venlo forward was a substitute in the Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Zambia in Ndola in their opening match of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Atlanta 1996 gold medallist Lawal told our correspondent, “The Super Eagles coach has spoken many times of his determination to stick with players who are playing regularly for their clubs, and Musa was not enjoying much playing time at Leicester but with the goal he scored, he has shown his coach (Claudio Ranieri) what he can bring to the team.

“Goals have a way of boosting a player’s confidence and Musa will not be different. He must  have convinced the coach that he deserves  more starting roles. If he can get a regular place at Leicester, it will help the Eagles in the World Cup qualifiers.

“Musa is a good player but he needs to be  consistent to get a starting place in the Eagles. The goal he scored on Saturday was a good one and typical of him. He should also improve on his crosses to get more assists, which can help him get more starts in the team.”