Nigerian football stars Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi have made a return to Kano Pillars, rejoining the club on short-term contracts for the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. Both players were seen training with the former champions ahead of their match against Sunshine Stars, set for this weekend.
The club confirmed the news on Friday via X, stating, “Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, Nazir Laja, and the rest of the squad trained ahead of NPFL 2024/25 Matchday 5 clash against Sunshine Stars this weekend.”
This marks Musa’s third spell with Kano Pillars, a team where he first made his mark in the 2009/10 season. He also briefly rejoined the club in 2021. The 31-year-old forward has had an extensive career in Europe, playing for clubs like CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, and Turkish side Sivasspor, from which he recently terminated his contract in February 2023.
Shehu Abdullahi, a versatile defensive midfielder, is also making a return to Kano Pillars. Abdullahi last played for the club in 2012 and has been without a team since January 2023. His experience includes stints in Europe and with the Nigerian national team.
Despite the NPFL’s summer transfer window having closed, both Musa and Abdullahi were able to rejoin Pillars as free agents. Sunday Obaseki, head of competitions for the NPFL, confirmed their eligibility.
“Yes, he can be registered. Ahmed Musa will be on the Transfer Matching System, so he won’t have a problem,” Obaseki told reporters, indicating that Musa’s paperwork will be in order.
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Musa has a long history with Kano Pillars, having made a significant impact during his first stint in 2009 when he became the league’s top scorer with 18 goals. His outstanding performance earned him a move to VVV Venlo in the Dutch Eredivisie, marking the beginning of a successful European career.
Abdullahi and Musa’s return to Kano Pillars is expected to boost the squad’s performance as they continue their campaign in the 2024/25 NPFL season. Kano Pillars, one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs, will be looking to recapture their former glory with the help of these experienced players.
Rangers International, the current NPFL champions, had shown interest in signing Musa before his decision to return to Pillars. However, Musa’s choice to rejoin his former club highlights his connection to Kano Pillars, where he first rose to prominence.