Nigeria internationals Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi have made a triumphant return to Kano Pillars, signing short-term contracts for the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. Their re-signing was confirmed as the players trained with the team on Thursday, ahead of their match-day five clash against Sunshine Stars.

The club, via their official X account, stated, “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.”

For Musa, this marks his third stint with Kano Pillars, having first played for the club during the 2009/10 season and returning again in 2021. Abdullahi, meanwhile, will be featuring for the former NPFL champions for the second time, having previously played for them in 2012.

Musa, 31, is currently a free agent after terminating his contract with Turkish side Sivasspor in February 2023. Abdullahi, a versatile defensive midfielder, has also been without a club since January 2023.

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Despite the summer transfer window closing, both Musa and Abdullahi were able to rejoin Kano Pillars as free agents. The head of NPFL competitions, Sunday Obaseki, confirmed their eligibility, stating, “Yes, he [Musa] can be registered. Ahmed Musa will be on the Transfer Matching System, so there won’t be any problem.”

Musa’s career has taken him across Europe, including stints with CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, and Saudi club Al Nassr. His first spell with Kano Pillars in 2009 saw him finish as the NPFL’s top scorer with 18 goals, before launching his international career.

Rangers International, the current NPFL champions, had shown interest in signing Musa, but the forward opted to return to his roots with Kano Pillars. Fans are eager to see how the duo will impact the team’s performance this season.