Former CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa plans return to NPFL

Ahmed Musa kick-started his football career with GBS Football Academy before his loan to Kano Pillars where he got his Super Eagles call up

Sivasspor forward Ahmed Musa has disclosed his intention to return to play in the Nigeria Premier Football League as he approaches the twilight of his football career, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles star commenced his football journey with GBS Football Academy before stints at JUTH FC and Kano Pillars, where his stellar performances, including multiple crucial goals, propelled Pillars to a second-place finish in the league during the 2009-10 season.

His remarkable domestic form earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles as a home-based player, a pivotal moment that established Musa as an advocate for the development of the Nigerian League and the inclusion of its players in the national squad.

With 42 goals in 125 appearances for CSKA Moscow and notable spells at Leicester City and Al Nassr, where he played 50 games before briefly returning to Kano Pillars and later joining Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk, Musa's career course has been notable.

Musa has the revealed his plans to return to the Nigerian league and this time staying longer than he did the last time to show his love for the League.

“I will always talk about the Nigerian league because I was once their product. And that placed me where I am today and till tomorrow, anytime I am going to stop football, I am going to come to Nigeria again, and play for the Nigerian League. But this time, I am going to stay for a long time and play. To show you the love I have for the Nigerian League.” Musa stated on X (former Twitter space) observed by Soccernet.ng.

He highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian players contemplating a return home, citing perceptions that leaving Europe for the Nigerian league might signal the end of their careers.

“Why some of our players do not want to come to Nigeria because they are thinking when you are in Europe, and you come back to Nigeria, e don finish for am (it is over for you) that was why he came back to Nigerian League.” Musa remarked.

An advocate for the inclusion of home-based players in the Super Eagles squad, Musa believes that integrating these players will contribute to the league's development. However, Jose Peseiro, the current coach, has yet to include any home-based players in his starting lineup.

As the Africa Cup of Nations approaches, home-based players are eager to earn their call-ups, with the hope that such selections will propel them onto the global stage.