Nigerians divided over Ahmed Musa-Neymar World Cup call comparison

Nigerians on social media have been divided over comparisons between Ahmed Musa and Neymar following the Brazilian star’s inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The debate started after X user @asiwajulerry argued that many Nigerians supporting Neymar’s call-up would heavily criticise the Nigeria Football Federation if Musa were included in a World Cup squad under similar circumstances.

The same Nigerians defending Neymar’s World Cup call will drag NFF to filth if Nigeria was going to World Cup and they include Ahmed Musa in the squad,” the user wrote.

The post quickly sparked reactions, with many users insisting Neymar’s reputation and impact for Brazil justified his inclusion despite concerns over his recent form and fitness.

Another user, @G_Samito, described Neymar as one of football’s most exciting players over the last decade and a half.

We’re talking Neymar Jr. Dos Santos! My interest in the World Cup tripled the moment I saw his name on the list. The second most exciting footballer in the last 15 years, after Messi,” the user posted.

Supporting the Brazilian forward’s selection, @KamaroFelixx argued that Musa had not done enough recently to deserve a sentimental World Cup invitation for Nigeria.

“You people want to water down everything Neymar has done for and with Brazil because of Joao Pedro? He deserves that space, even if he gets an injury in his first match,” the user wrote.

Another user, @DestinyEviano, said Neymar often performs differently for the Brazilian national team compared to club football.

We talking about Neymar here dude, not just anybody. Santos Neymar is different from Brazil Neymar. There are some certain players that are a different beast when it comes to national duties,” the post read.

@EM_swagFX also defended the former Barcelona and PSG star, saying even an unfit Neymar remains dangerous.

Neymar even at 60% fitness is still a lethal weapon on the pitch. Musa is a legend, but Neymar’s impact on a game change is on a different level,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @Hon2pricke argued that Musa’s achievements for Nigeria could not be compared with Neymar’s legacy for Brazil.

“Neymar doesn’t need club form to earn a World Cup call-up with the set of players that are currently in Brazil squad,” the user added.

However, some Nigerians disagreed strongly with the comparison, insisting Musa’s contributions to Nigerian football were being unfairly downplayed.

@SundayOgundijo2 questioned why Neymar was being rated above the Nigerian forward.

“What has Neymar done for Brazil that Musa hasn’t done for Nigeria? Musa is highest top scorer for Nigeria in the World Cup and has won AFCON for Nigeria,” the user wrote.

Another user, @annyauthe4, accused some Nigerians of holding foreign football stars to different standards.

“A lot of Nigerians, especially online, just don’t want anything Nigeria. Their slave minds would support other countries for what they despise Nigeria for,” the post read.

Meanwhile, @DLarengs argued that Neymar no longer deserved a place in Brazil’s squad.

“Neymar have no business in that squad. He played four World Cups at his prime and when he was fully fit Brazil still failed. What changed now?” the user questioned.

The debate comes amid widespread reactions to Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti naming Neymar in his World Cup squad despite concerns surrounding the forward’s fitness and recent injury struggles.