Super Eagles veteran Ahmed Musa Returns to Kano Pillars, eyes AFCON 2025

At 31, Musa's role in the Super Eagles has diminished, with younger talents like Samuel Chukwueze emerging. Despite captaining Nigeria at the last AFCON in Cote d'Ivoire, Musa did not feature in any matches.

After leaving his Turkish club earlier this year, Musa has struggled to secure a new European contract, prompting his decision to return to Kano Pillars, where he previously played in 2021.

Segun Odegbami, Nigeria's football legend, praised Musa's accomplishments but expressed concern about the risks of returning to the NPFL.

"I also wore the number 7 jersey and share some traits with Ahmed Musa," Odegbami said in his column in Complete Sports.

"Like me, he scored many goals from the wings, including four during two World Cups - the highest by a Nigerian in World Cup history.

"He is the most capped player in Nigeria's history, holder of two national honours (MON, and OON), professional player in Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.

He added: "He is taking a big risk. Most before him did not take that path. Few players in Nigeria's football history have returned to the NPFL to end their careers, and probably none succeeded in leaving a mark."

Musa's motivation is clear: he aims to remain relevant in the national team and secure a spot for AFCON 2025.

His commitment has seen him make a second return to the NPFL, a unique feat for a Nigerian player. 

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