Nigeria internationals Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi have made a return to Kano Pillars on short-term deals for the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The duo were seen training at the club’s camp on Thursday in preparation for their upcoming NPFL matchday five fixture against Sunshine Stars.
Kano Pillars, the former NPFL champions, confirmed the news on Friday through their X account, posting, “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.”
Musa, who is 31, is set for his third stint with Kano Pillars, having previously played for the club during the 2009/10 season and again in 2021.
Known for his pace and versatility in attack, Musa first made his mark with Pillars when he topped the NPFL scoring charts in 2009, netting 18 goals.
This impressive form earned him a move to the Dutch Eredivisie with VVV Venlo, which launched his career in European football, including stints at CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, and Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Musa recently became a free agent after terminating his contract with Turkish club Sivasspor in February 2024.
Shehu Abdullahi, a versatile defensive midfielder, is also returning to Pillars, this time for his second spell, having last played for the club in 2012.
Abdullahi, who has been without a club since January 2023, has previously featured for clubs in Europe and the Middle East, including Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia.
Despite the 2024/25 NPFL summer transfer window having closed, both Musa and Abdullahi are eligible to join Kano Pillars as free agents.
Yhe NPFL head of competitions, Sunday Obaseki, clarified this, stating that their status as free agents allows them to be added to the team’s roster outside the regular transfer window.
“Yes, he can be registered. Ahmed Musa will be on the Transfer Matching System, so he won’t have a problem,” Obaseki confirmed.
Before rejoining Pillars, Musa was reportedly pursued by reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International, who were keen on adding the Super Eagles captain to their squad.
However, Musa opted for a return to his former club, where he previously enjoyed great success.
With their wealth of experience and leadership, both Musa and Abdullahi are expected to make a significant impact as Kano Pillars seek to challenge for honors in the 2024/25 NPFL campaign.
