Super Eagles legend Odegbami warns Musa of pitfalls of NPFL return

Published on by Godfred Budu

With speculation linking nominal Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa to a return to Kano Pillars following a six-month absence from the national team, Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami has expressed concerns about the risks associated with a move back to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The 31-year-old has been without a club since February 2024, having terminated his contract with Turkish side Sivasspor due to unpaid wages.

His uncertain future was recently highlighted by a cryptic tweet from Musa himself, sparking excitement among Nigerian football fans and hinting at a potential return to the domestic league.

Super Eagles: Legend Odegbami warns Ahmed Musa of pitfalls of NPFL return
Photo by IMAGO

Musa, it is worth noting, played for Kano Pillars during the 2009/10 season, where he set a league record by scoring 18 goals in 25 matches, contributing to the team's second-place finish.

Odegbami: Ahmed Musa's NPFL return doomed

In his column for Complete Sports, Odegbami pointed out that, while this move could serve as a platform for Ahmed Musa to reclaim his place in the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, history shows that few players have successfully returned to the NPFL and made a significant impact.

“He is taking a big risk,” Odegbami said. “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.”

Despite being Nigeria’s most capped player and the top scorer in World Cup history for the nation, Musa has seen his role within the national team diminish in recent years, primarily due to the emergence of talents like Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.

Super Eagles: Legend Odegbami warns Ahmed Musa of pitfalls of NPFL return
Photo by IMAGO

He did not participate in any of Nigeria’s matches during the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite serving as the team's captain.

Furthermore, he has not received a call-up for Nigeria's subsequent matches, including friendly encounters, the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

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Godfred Budu

Godfred Budu, a Ghanaian sports journalist, brings a dynamic perspective to the field with over a decade of experience. Having contributed to esteemed platforms such as Kickgh.com and Inkandkicks.com. Godfred is recognised for his insightful commentary and in-depth analysis of African football.
His passion for storytelling and commitment to accuracy have established him as a trusted authority in sports journalism in Ghana, captivating audiences with his engaging narratives and unparalleled expertise.
Godfred holds a degree in Integrated Development Studies (Social and Development Administration option) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana.