Ahmed Musa’s homecoming: Returning hero delivers victory

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan, updated on

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa made a triumphant return to Kano Pillars, scoring twice to secure a 2-0 win over Sunshine Stars in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday. This was Musa's third debut for the Sai Masu Gida following a career path that has seen him represent several clubs abroad.

Musa, who had been without a club since terminating his contract with Turkish side Sivasspor in February 2024 due to unpaid wages, rejoined Kano Pillars at the beginning of the month. 

His move marks a return to familiar territory, as the 31-year-old forward set a league record with Pillars in the 2009/10 season by scoring 18 goals in 25 matches. Musa also had a brief stint with the club in 2021 after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

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Photo by Icon Sports

An almost flawless performance from Ahmed Musa

The match saw Musa quickly make his mark, scoring in just the fourth minute of the game. A loose ball inside the box allowed the Super Eagles star to fire a powerful shot into the net, giving Kano Pillars an early advantage. Musa’s presence on the pitch was felt throughout the encounter, as Pillars dominated the game, though they had to wait until the second half for their second goal.

Musa's second goal came after 51 minutes when he coolly placed a shot past Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Emmanuel Ofori. His performance could have been even more memorable if not for a missed penalty in the 70th minute, where his attempt hit the woodwork.

Despite this, Musa's brace was enough to see Kano Pillars through to a 2-0 victory, their second win of the season.

Kano Pillars currently sit 7th on the NPFL table, with 7 points from 5 matches. Musa’s return could prove pivotal as the team looks to climb the ranks in the coming weeks.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.