Ahmed Musa, the prominent Kano Pillars forward, is poised to return to the starting lineup after a two-game absence due to a knock. His return comes as a significant boost for the Sai Masu Gida, who are set to face Niger Tornadoes in a crucial Nigeria Premier Football League match-day 18 encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. Musa’s last appearance for the club was in their 1-0 defeat against Rivers United on December 1st. He subsequently missed the Northwest derby against Katsina United and the 2-0 loss to 3SC in Ibadan.
Kano Pillars coach, Usman Abdallah, confirmed Musa’s availability for the upcoming match, indicating that the Super Eagles forward has recovered sufficiently to rejoin the squad. However, midfielder Sheu Abdullahi remains sidelined due to injury, while another player, Ali, is on international duty with the national team for the CHAN qualifiers. Abdallah emphasized that Musa’s two-week absence was strictly on the advice of the team doctor, following an MRI scan that revealed the need for rest. The coach expressed his satisfaction with Musa’s full recovery and return to the team.
Musa’s return is a welcome development for Kano Pillars, given his impactful contributions since rejoining the former NPFL champions. In 10 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, he has already notched five goals, solidifying his role as a key player for the team. His presence on the field brings added attacking prowess and experience, which could prove vital in their upcoming clash against Niger Tornadoes. The Sai Masu Gida currently occupy the 10th position in the league standings with 22 points from 16 matches, highlighting the importance of securing a positive result in their upcoming fixture.
The match against Niger Tornadoes presents a crucial opportunity for Kano Pillars to improve their league standing and build momentum for the remainder of the season. With Musa back in the fold, the team’s attacking capabilities are significantly enhanced, boosting their chances of securing a victory on home turf. The Sani Abacha Stadium, with its passionate home crowd, is expected to provide a vibrant atmosphere for the match, further motivating the players to deliver a strong performance. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for Kano Pillars’ aspirations in the NPFL.
The report on Musa’s return was provided by Abiodun Adewale, a sports journalist for PUNCH, specializing in Nigerian football across different tiers, national teams, and cricket. He has covered these areas extensively for the past six years, establishing his expertise and credibility in sports reporting. PUNCH retains all rights to the published material, emphasizing the importance of respecting copyright and intellectual property. Any reproduction or redistribution of the content requires prior written permission from the publication.
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