Ahmed Musa is the biggest thing in Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), the former Leicester City forward has returned to the league to play for Kano Pillars.
The 28-year-old left-winger has been without a club since he left Saudi-Arabian club, Al-Nassr on October 26, 2020. Since then, a couple of clubs in Europe and Asia have shown interest in him but he has decided to slow down in deciding on his next move.
Hence, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner decided to return to the Nigerian side, Kano Pillar where he became famous for being the then all-time highest goalscorer in the league. His fame at Kano Pillars took him out of the country in 2010. His first club in Europe was a Russian side, VVV-Venlo.
Afterward, CSKA Moscow signed him in 2012. His performance at the club attracted the attention of Premier League club, Leicester City in 2016. Unfortunately for Ahmed Musa, he could not establish himself at the club and had to return to CSKA Moscow on loan in 2018.
After it was announced that Musa has returned to Kano Pillars, he told ESPN that he decided to return to the league to improve the image of the league and to remain in shape while he decides on his next move.
The captain of the Nigerian football national team stressed that he wants “something that will be good” for his family, so he does not “want to rush”.
Ahmed Musa has rejoined his boyhood club, Kano Pillars.
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) April 14, 2021
He scored 18 league goals for them, a previous record in the Nigerian league at age 18 in 2009/2010.
He was the Top Scorer at the 2009/2010 Nigerian league & 2012-2013 Russian Cup. He was in the 2014 CAF Team of the Year. pic.twitter.com/B0IDrA4sxN
Musa is expected to play in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations which is scheduled to kick-off on January 9, 2020, and end on February 6, 2022. Hence, he is expected to remain active in the game to keep his place in the Super Eagles.
“It is good for me to join Pillars because this is where I started from and it also helps to improve the profile of the league,” Ahmed Musa said.
“Playing for them will help me keep myself in shape before June, so I can take part in the qualifiers.”
Latest reports say the governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, would unveil Ahmed Musa before the second phase of the league kicks off. Currently, Kano Pillars are topping the league table with 36 points alongside Kwara United.
The fans of the Nigerian side might see Ahmed Musa in action for the club on April 14 against Adamawa United, at 4 p.m. Nigerian time.
Since it was announced that Ahmed Musa has rejoined Kano Pillars after 11 years out of the league, he has been a subject of discussion among some football fans on Twitter.
See some reactions about the return of Ahmed Musa to Kano Pillars below:
Ahmed Musa’s return to Kano Pillars is one of the best strategy to improve and attract interest in our local football teams and National league.After global come local.Its better than hanging and idling in Europe.There will always be a place for you at home.@thenff
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) April 14, 2021
I salute Ahmed Musa’s decision to come back home to rejoin Kano Pillars. 💪🏼🇳🇬
— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) April 13, 2021
Kano @PillarsFC have agreed to sign its former player and Super Eagles’ captain, Ahmed Musa for the rest of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season. Smart move by the ‘Sai Masu Gida’. Welcome home @AhmedMusa718 👌🏾
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) April 13, 2021
Ahmed Musa officially back to Kano Pillars is one huge win and needs to be Properly promoted, The captain of the Super Eagles, still in his prime playing for the Local league na confirm Cruise.
— Laba Laba Master 🦋🦋🦋 (@Buchi_Laba) April 13, 2021
Most players would stay clubless than playing in the NPFL, Respect to MUSA. pic.twitter.com/ZmRrnWrCrA
DID YOU KNOW
— Brigadier General Taye Hassan Adigun (@taye007) April 14, 2021
Ahmed Musa started his football career with a non league side Napoli FC of Bukuru Jos south, Plateau state. He joined JUTH FC and became the club highest goalscorer in a season, before joining Kano Pillars and top NPFL goal scoring chat with 18 goals. #Ahmedmusa pic.twitter.com/yvmCidygxq