Top Nigerian Professional Football League coaches and players have urged unattached Super Eagles players to emulate Ahmed Musa by joining clubs in the local league, in a bid to stay in shape and boost the image of the NPFL, reports.
Eagles captain Musa on Tuesday completed a short term move to Kano Pillars for the remainder of the season – a move NPFL coaches and players believe will give the league a facelift.
The 28-year-old starred for Pillars in 2009 and ended the NPFL season as the top scorer, before his move to VVV Venlo.
Musa becomes the sixth notable Eagles star to return to the NPFL after the likes of Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Sani Kaita, Juwon Oshaniwa, and Michael Uchebo.
“It’s a good move because he (Musa) may lose shape if he doesn’t play competitively before the start of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers,” Sunshine Stars coach Gbenga Ogunbote said.
“Musa was absolutely spot on with the move and it’s worthy of emulation by other players who are yet to find clubs abroad.”
Plateau United coach Abdul Maikaba said, “Fantastic move but I would have loved him to come to Jos.”
Former Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu noted that Musa’s move would boost the chances of Pillars winning a fifth NPFL title.
“It’s not easy dropping that low to play in the NPFL,” Shorunmu told The media.
“His arrival will galvanise Pillars in pushing for the title. Other players can also come back home to end their careers here in the NPFL like the South Americans do.”
Abia Warriors defender Adeleke, wished Musa had joined Abia Warriors.
“He is my captain in the national team and what he brings to the team is awesome,” Adeleke said.
“Musa’s return is good for our league and the players will benefit from training with him daily, like I did when I was with the Eagles for the games against Benin Republic and Lesotho.”
