Super Eagles: Key reason Moses Usor always wears a tape under his knee

Super Eagles star Moses Usor has quickly become one of the most talked-about Nigerian players after his match-winning debut against Madagascar, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, another detail about the winger that caught the eye of several onlookers was the tape worn underneath his knee.

The LASK forward came off the bench to score Nigeria’s winning goal in Friday’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in the Super Eagles’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Usor’s explosive run and composed finish were his first major contribution for Nigeria, but photographs of the 24-year-old also show him wearing what appears to be medical tape or a support strap just below his knee.

There is no public statement from Usor or his club confirming the precise purpose of the tape. However, his medical history provides the context.

Super Eagles: Moses Usor has suffered two major knee injuries

The Nigerian has experienced serious knee problems during his time at LASK. In October 2024, Usor suffered a cruciate ligament tear in his left knee during LASK’s Conference League match against Djurgården.

The injury occurred after he planted his foot and twisted his knee, forcing him off after only around 10 minutes. LASK confirmed the ACL injury, keeping him out for 265 days and 35 matches.

His return was followed by another setback in 2026, with a meniscus tear in May. That history makes the tape underneath his knee noteworthy.

It does not, however, establish that the tape is specifically being used because of either injury.

What could the tape be doing?

Depending on the type and exact placement, tape or a strap around the knee can be used to provide sensory feedback, support movement and help manage symptoms such as pain or swelling.

Taping can also influence proprioception: the body’s awareness of joint position and movement.

That could be useful for an athlete who has returned from a serious knee injury and is constantly required to sprint, stop, cut and change direction at high speed.

Usor has moved beyond his injury problems

The most significant evidence of Usor’s recovery is ultimately what he is doing on the pitch.

The LASK forward has been a regular contributor for his club this season, and LASK’s official profile currently lists him with seven appearances, 417 minutes, two goals and three assists.

He then produced an even bigger moment for Nigeria against Madagascar. Introduced in the 61st minute, Usor needed only four minutes to score the decisive goal, collecting the ball after a quick break and finishing into the bottom corner.

His journey from a serious ACL injury, through another knee setback, to scoring a winning goal on his Super Eagles debut makes the small detail under his knee significant.

For now, though, the most accurate explanation is that the tape appears consistent with the sort of support or sensory aid sometimes used around the knee, while its exact purpose for Usor remains unconfirmed publicly.

What is certain is that the Nigerian winger has already shown that his long road back from serious knee problems has not taken away the explosiveness that made him such an exciting prospect at LASK.