Kano Pillars legend Ahmed Musa has returned to the first-team squad as the “Sai Masu Gida” prepare for a high-stakes Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 27 clash against El-Kanemi Warriors. The veteran forward rejoined his teammates for a full training session on Thursday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, following a period of absence due to personal family commitments. His return comes at a critical juncture for Mohammed Babaganaru’s side, who currently find themselves entrenched in a fierce battle to avoid the drop.
The former Super Eagles captain remains a vital asset for the Kano-based club, having already contributed three goals this season. His presence on the pitch offers more than just scoring ability; his leadership and top-level experience provide a significant psychological lift to a squad under immense pressure. As Pillars languish in the bottom four, Babaganaru views Musa’s availability as a potential catalyst for a late-season resurgence to secure their top-flight status for another year.
Kano Pillars will host El-Kanemi Warriors this Sunday, February 22, in a match that carries massive implications for the league standings. While the visitors arrive in Kano sitting comfortably in the top half of the table, the hosts desperately need maximum points to bridge the gap toward safety. The Sani Abacha Stadium typically transforms into a fortress for these North-West derbies, and the local faithful expect Musa’s return to spark the clinical edge that has been missing in recent outings.
With only eleven matches remaining in the 2025/26 NPFL season, the margin for error has vanished for the four-time league champions. The coaching staff worked extensively on offensive transitions during Thursday’s session, utilizing Musa’s pace and positioning to unlock compact defenses. As the “Sai Masu Gida” faithful prepare to fill the stands on Sunday, all eyes will be on their talismanic number 7 to see if he can deliver another match-winning performance in front of the home crowd.
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