Leicester City forward, Ahmed Musa, has stepped down as Super Eagles Assistant Captain.
He addressed the squad immediately after the team meeting to announce his decision, saying he wanted to focus on his game.
Reports on Thursday night say the captainship is affecting his game both at national team and at club levels.
This may not be unconnected with a decision made by Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr that he wanted the team to be led by “a player who plays regularly”.
Musa, who is the first of two deputy captains along Ogenyi Onazi, has been overlooked by Rohr, who told the forward that Onazi would captain the team against Senegal, while left-back Elderson Echiejile would lead the team out against Burkina Faso.
But the move would have been humiliating to Musa, who was named substitute captain, after Vincent Enyeama retired, but was then diplomatically deposed by Samson Siasia, who handed the armband to John Obi Mikel.
Kelechi Iheanacho struck a late penalty as Nigeria drew 1-1 with Senegal in Bernet, London on Thursday night.
The Terranga Lions had taken the lead through Moussa Sow in the 54th minute and appeared destined for victory before Iheanacho fired home from the spot in the 81st minute after being brought down by Pape Ndiaye.
Nigeria’s next friendly match is against Burkina Faso on Monday in Barnet.
By Felix Simire
