Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa is poised to make a significant impact as he prepares for his third debut with the former champions Kano Pillars in their upcoming match against Sunshine Stars in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The fixture is scheduled to take place at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Sunday. Alongside Musa, Nigeria midfielder Shehu Abdullahi is also rejoining Pillars on short-term contracts for the 2024/25 season. Both players were seen training with the squad as they gear up for this crucial encounter. The announcement of their return has generated excitement among fans and stakeholders alike, as they are expected to bolster the team’s performance.
The addition of Musa and Abdullahi is particularly important given Pillars’ underwhelming start to the season, where they have secured just one win out of four matches, leaving them languishing in the 14th position with only four points. The presence of these experienced players could provide the much-needed spark to help lift the team’s morale and elevate their standing in the league. Coach Usman Abadallah, tasked with revitalizing the squad’s fortunes, may find in Musa and Abdullahi the essential leadership and championship experience that can inspire improvement moving forward.
Ahmed Musa’s journey with Kano Pillars is noteworthy, as this will mark his third stint with the club. His initial period at Pillars was from 2009 to 2010 and renewed in 2021. During his first season, he made quite an impression by finishing as the league’s top scorer with 18 goals, a remarkable feat that eventually led him to pursue opportunities abroad in Europe. Musa’s subsequent career saw him grace the fields of prestigious clubs like CSKA Moscow and Leicester City, showcasing his talents on a global stage. Meanwhile, Abdullahi returns to Pillars for the second time, having previously donned the club’s colors in 2012. His experience will be valuable, especially considering that he has been without a club since early January 2023.
Despite the conclusion of the NPFL 2024/25 summer transfer window, both Musa and Abdullahi secured their positions as free agents, allowing them to join Pillars seamlessly. Sunday Obaseki, the NPFL head of competitions, confirmed that Musa would be registered via the Transfer Matching System. This allowed him to bypass standard transfer regulations that would otherwise complicate such a move. There was interest from champions Rangers International in signing Musa, but the forward opted to reconnect with his former club instead, demonstrating his loyalty and commitment to Pillars.
Musa’s past achievements with the team and his instrumental role in previous seasons highlight his importance to the squad. His European career has evidently enriched his capabilities on the pitch, and his return is characterized by a blend of experience and skill that could be transformational for Pillars as they navigate the ongoing season. As a player who has had success in several international competitions, including the World Cup, Musa represents a critical asset that could galvanize his teammates and instill confidence in the club’s fanbase.
In conclusion, the impending return of Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi to Kano Pillars shapes not just the future of the team, but also reflects the club’s ambition to reclaim its former glory in the NPFL. Their presence is set against a backdrop of early season struggles, presenting an opportunity to turn the tide. With both players undergoing rigorous training ahead of the vital match against Sunshine Stars, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how their reintroduction will influence the team’s performance. As the match day approaches, the anticipation grows, and it remains to be seen whether Musa and Abdullahi can indeed lead Kano Pillars back to winning ways.
