He may not have spent many seasons playing in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, but Ahmed Musa remains a key topic in almost every NPFL discourse.
Starting humbly at Golden Boots Soccer Academy, Jos, Musa made his mark with the defunct JUTH FC and never looked back.
His first and only season at Kano Pillars before his foreign adventure made him a darling of “Sai Masu Gida” supporters.
Emerging as top scorer in the NPFL with 18 goals while playing for prime Pillars as a teenager is no mean feat; and of course, the rest is history.
Musa’s successful career abroad with VVV-Venlo, CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, Al Nassr, Sivaspor and Fatih Karagumruk has still not taken away his love for the domestic league.Can Musa ever be separated from the love of the NPFL? I doubt.
His return to Pillars in 2021 despite his global exploits and legendary status with the Super Eagles clearly revealed his undying love for the league.
As captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Nigeria’s most capped international footballer with 109 caps, “Governor”, as he’s called by admirers, has yet again returned to the NPFL and is starting every game, delivering good numbers and captaining Pillars in home and away games.
His brotherly connection with Rabiu Ali is second to none, with Ali willfully handing the armband to Musa out of respect.
A brace against Sunshine Stars and a magical strike against Rangers are highlights of Musa’s current season with Pillars.
He spearheaded the Kano outfit’s recent thrilling away win over Rangers, having a hand in all four goals as they won 4-3 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
It is not just the passion, love and drive that Musa has for the NPFL and by extension, Pillars, he is a star on the pitch and is doing what many younger players cannot do week in, week out.
His recent appointment as Kano State Sports Ambassador by Governor Abba Yusuf is a clear testament of his contribution to the game and the inspiration of the younger generation.
The incredible love story between Musa and the NPFL continues. I sincerely hope it lasts longer.Take a bow, Ahmed Musa!
