After a successful career with different clubs in Europe and Asia, 31-year-old Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has returned home again to play in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), for the third time in his illustrious career marking his second homecoming.
Musa had a loan spell with Kano Pillars in the 2009-2010 season, when he made history scoring 18 goals in 25 matches, a record that lasted till 2011 when Jude Aneke scored 20 goals for Kaduna United.
Musa’s foreign sojourn first took him to the Netherlands, where he played for VVV-Venlo, and later CSKA Moscow, Leicester City in England, and Al Nassr in Saudi Pro league in 2020.
In the 2021/2022 NPFL season, Musa made his first homecoming when he returned to Kano Pillars, a club close to his heart, and featured in eight matches before returning to Europe again.
On his return to Europe, he played for Turkish Super Lig teams Fatih Karagümrük and Sivasspor before mutually severing ties with the latter in February 2024.
Now, driven by his passion for Nigerian football, particularly Kano Pillars, the club that brought him to the limelight, Musa has chosen to don the colours of Kano Pillars once again. It is, indeed, his third stint with the ‘masu gida’ boys.
The most capped Super Eagles player indeed returned with a bang as he scored a brace in his debut match for Pillars this NPFL 2024/2025 season.
Musa wants to keep playing
Throughout the world, countless players push their limits, determined to keep playing until their bodies can no longer endure. A ready example is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a larger-than-life figure who broke down in tears on his final day at AC Milan—a poignant reminder of how deeply emotional the end of one’s career can be. For many players, the desire to stay on the pitch never fades.
A close friend to Ahmed and sports journalist, Muzamil Daha Yola said “Super Eagles captain is a talented and dedicated player with tremendous work ethic and humility that always made him loved at every team he has played.
“This third stint is proof of his commitment to Nigeria football and willingness to give back. He just doesn’t want to hang up his boots yet. We know how he loves to encourage young players on the pitch. Even as a club legend and role model, he is always for teamwork.”
Home sweet home
Sani Kaita, another player who started his career at Kano Pillars, once returned to play at Enyimba and FC IfeanyiUbah as part of the then League Management Company’s elite initiative for foreign based professionals in 2014.
Though few players in Nigeria’s football history have returned to the NPFL to end their careers, none have succeeded in leaving a mark. The league, though improving, is often viewed as a step down from Europe or Middle East clubs where many of Nigeria’s elite players typically end their careers.
Musa and Shehu Abdullahi’s recent return to Kano Pillars, therefore, will challenge the narrative that at the twilight of their careers, players can only remain competitive at the highest level by playing abroad.
NPFL’s Head of Communications, Harry Iwuala, expressed excitement over the recent return of players after successful careers playing for foreign clubs.
“The NPFL is thrilled to welcome back Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi after their successful careers abroad. We’ve seen how elite South American players return home to their domestic leagues, and we want the same for Nigeria.
“We encourage former internationals to engage with their peers and promote the NPFL as a quality league. We know that fans are eager to come to the stadium to see these stars they’ve watched on TV.”
A Kano resident, Aminu a resident in Kano, admits that news of Ahmed Musa’s brace has sparked his interest in the league. “Their return is a significant boost for the league, similar to what the biggest names in Brazil did when retiring.
“Even though I don’t typically follow the Nigeria league closely, when I heard that Ahmed Musa scored two goals and nearly got a hat trick in his first match, it really excited me about his comeback.”
Unending love for Pillars
Ahmed Musa’s return, along with equally passionate Abdullahi, is considered as a true show of patriotism. Abdullahi, a 31-year-old defensive midfielder who also excels as a defender, is in his second stint with Kano Pillars. He began his senior career at Kano Pillars in 2012 and played until 2014, when he ventured overseas to clubs like Qadsia, União da Madeira, Anorthosis Famagusta, Bursaspor, Omonia, and Levski Sofia.
Shehu reflects on the significance of his return: “Kano Pillars has always been regarded as a giant in Nigerian football, especially in the North.
“It’s a club that many players across the country aspire to join. For years, Pillars has set the pace for northern teams, and the pride we have in the club is immense.
“This is where my senior career began, and the role Kano Pillars played in shaping my career is something I deeply value.”
Pillars’ fans optimistic
Most fans of the club are optimistic that the return of the duo will impact positively on the fortunes of Kano Pillars.
“Their return is so good for the league, and as a Kano Pillars fan, I am now more confident of us winning the league this season.
“There has been so much heartbreak for us these past years, sincerely. We need to come back to the top again and maybe get a continental ticket.
“So, I feel Musa and Shehu can help us achieve this again. It is as if we now have two coach-players in the team, as an attacker which Ahmed is and a utility player which Shehu is,” Abdullahi Shehu Karaye said.
Timely return of the goal king
Musa’s return to Pillars marked a significant moment as the club sought to bounce back from two straight defeats to Remo Stars and Abia Warriors.
In his 2024/2025 NPFL season debut, he scored two crucial goals, also missing a 70th minute penalty to fall one goal short of a hat-trick.
His brace was all Pillars needed to earn the much-needed victory on match day 5 at their temporary home ground, the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
Following his brace in Katsina, Musa who is Nigeria’s most successful player at the FIFA World Cup, took to his verified Facebook handle to express his excitement: “Back in familiar colours, and it feels so good! Grateful to the entire backroom staff, my teammates, and the management of Kano Pillars FC for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to return.
“To the amazing supporters and everyone who came out to watch, thank you for the love and energy! Scoring two goals and earning that penalty was just the start – we’ve got a lot more coming!”
Unfinished business in Super Eagles
Musa has not been called up to the Nigeria senior national team for some time, with his last attendance coming in the 2023 AFCON tournament in Cote d’Ivoire where he warmed the bench all through.
His decision to return to Kano Pillars is seen by many as a subtle move to aid his return to the Super Eagles for the 2025 AFCON. It is said that his prolific goal-scoring record might bolster his confidence that he can still deliver for both club and country.
If his ambition is to use his performances in the NPFL to bargain for another chance in the Super Eagles, the onus is now on him to prove that he is better than the present attacking wingers in the team.
In any case, his return is an opportunity to bring his invaluable experience and leadership to Kano Pillars and the NPFL at large. Moreover, by playing in the NPFL that is often overshadowed by the aura of the more developed leagues in Europe, Musa could help raise its profile and inspire younger players to believe in their potential and success even in the domestic league.
His immediate responsibility is to help Pillars regain their lost glory in Nigerian football. Already, he has shown that he is ready to shoulder this responsibility.
Kano Pillars will be on the road for the next two matches: first against Akwa United in Uyo followed by a date with reigning champions Enugu Rangers.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
