How Nigerian International Stars Are Set to Transform the NPFL

It was a moment that echoed through the bustling streets of Kano, a triumphant homecoming and a signal to football fans across the country that the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was entering a new era. The familiar face of Ahmed Musa, the former Super Eagles captain, had returned once more to Kano Pillars, donning the jersey of  – Sai Masu Gida, the team that had given him his start. Alongside him, another stalwart of Nigerian football, Shehu Abdullahi, made his way back to the club where it all began. This was no ordinary season. The return of two of Nigeria’s brightest footballing stars to the NPFL was a powerful reminder of the league’s potential, a declaration that Nigerian football just might be reclaiming its place on the map of African Football Leagues, with an allure that tempts even the best to get involved.

In a time when African players increasingly look to Europe or the Middle East for the next step in their careers, these two internationals returning to play at home signals a shift in the NPFL’s trajectory. Their presence not only brings a touch of class to the league but has the potential to elevate the entire competition—on and off the pitch.

The Ahmed Musa Effect: A Leader Returns

The Governor’s story is well-known. He is a player who has dazzled on both local and international stages, most notably when he played a starring role for Nigeria in the 2014 and 2018 World Cup tournaments. His speed, dribbling prowess, and scoring ability have made him a household name, but in the 2024/25 season, Musa’s third stint with Kano Pillars is about much more than just goals.

Musa’s return to Kano Pillars is a decision grounded in legacy and leadership. He first joined the club as a teenager in 2010, and within a year, he had become the league’s top scorer, launching a career that would take him to Europe’s top leagues from Spartak Moscow in Russia all the way to Leicester in England. After nearly a decade away, Musa returned briefly in 2021 to help his breakout club. His third coming in 2024 carries a special significance. No longer just a bright prospect, he returns as a mentor and symbol of resilience.

Already, Musa has made his presence felt, adding flair to the Pillars’ attack and bringing invaluable experience to a youthful squad. His dedication in training and his mentorship to the younger players have been as impactful as his play on the field. Musa represents the importance of perseverance and loyalty, demonstrating to younger NPFL players that success can come full circle .

While Musa brings attacking prowess, Shehu Abdullahi’s return to Kano Pillars provides much-needed defensive strength and versatility. After several seasons playing in Europe, including stints with Anorthosis Famagusta in Cyprus and Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, Abdullahi returned to Pillars in 2024 with a clear purpose: to shore up the team’s defense while using his international experience to guide younger players.

Like Musa, Abdullahi’s decision to come back home speaks to the growing recognition that Nigerian football can offer opportunities to excel. His arrival alongside Musa shows a pattern of top players wanting to give back to the league that launched their careers. His physicality, tactical intelligence, and professionalism both on and off the field are expected to be vital to Kano Pillars’ pursuit of the NPFL title.

Historical Parallels: Yekini’s Return and the NPFL Renaissance

The influence of returning Nigerian stars isn’t a new phenomenon. In the early 2000s, 2003 to be precise, the great Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer, made a surprising return to the NPFL after a successful career in Europe. At 39,  Yekini, who had terrorized defenses in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and played in Spain, Greece, and Tunisia, came back to Nigeria to play for Julius Berger. His return provided a massive boost to local football, both in terms of the quality of play and the excitement among fans. Yekini’s presence drew fans back to stadiums, revitalized interest in the domestic league, and inspired a new generation of Nigerian players.

Musa and Abdullahi’s return to Kano Pillars offers a similar opportunity for the NPFL. Just as Yekini’s comeback symbolized the possibilities within Nigerian football, the arrival of Musa and Abdullahi signals that the NPFL is becoming an attractive destination once again for top talent. Their presence is proof that Nigerian football is not just a stepping stone to Europe but a viable platform where careers can thrive and come full circle. This  return  to the NPFL is more than just a feel-good story about homecomings. It’s also a statement about the potential of Nigerian football. These players bring with them the experience of playing in some of Europe’s top leagues, and their influence will be felt both on the pitch and in the broader development of the league. Their professionalism sets a benchmark for younger players, showing them the level of commitment and discipline needed to succeed at the highest levels.

Moreover, their presence elevates the profile of the NPFL internationally. When players of Musa and Abdullahi’s caliber choose to return, it sends a message that the league is worth watching, and that it can be a stage for great football. This shift could attract more talent, improve sponsorship opportunities, and draw larger audiences to NPFL matches, both locally and globally.

As the 2024/25 season progresses, the hope is that their influence will inspire not just Kano Pillars but the entire NPFL to aim higher. Just as Yekini’s return in the early 2000s rekindled faith in Nigerian football, Musa and Abdullahi’s return could mark the beginning of a new era for the NPFL—one where established stars help elevate the league to new heights.