Former Super Eagles midfielder Shehu Abdullahi has made a compelling case for his fellow national team players to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), highlighting the potential positive impact on the domestic competition.
Abdullahi, who began his senior career with Kano Pillars in 2012, spent two years with the club before pursuing his career abroad, Footballrover reports.
Now, at 31, he has returned to the Sai Masu Gida, joining forces with fellow Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa.
The defensive midfielder, last contracted with Bulgarian club Levski Sofia, has been without a team since January 2023.
His return to Kano Pillars marks a second stint with the NPFL giants as they look to push for a title in the ongoing season.
Ahead of their clash against Akwa United, Abdullahi expressed his desire to see more Super Eagles players follow in his footsteps by returning to the NPFL.
In an impassioned statement, he emphasised the importance of experienced players coming back to strengthen the league and offer guidance to the next generation of footballers.
‘A chance to uplift Nigerian football,’ Abdullahi says
Abdullahi stressed that playing in the NPFL, even for a short period, can provide invaluable learning opportunities for younger players, improving their development.
Shehu and Ahmed Musa
He also noted that local coaches and fans would benefit from the influx of seasoned professionals, which could elevate the league’s profile both domestically and internationally.
Abdullahi challenged his colleagues to reconsider their approach during off-seasons or recovery periods.
“Thats what the captain (Ahmed Musa) is always saying about coming back: if you have the chance to, come and play so that you can improve the league, help the young ones, the coaches as well, thats in the league. I think all the people in Nigeria are now proud and happy about it.
So we’re calling on our colleagues: when ever you are at home, you want to recover; you want to get yourself back. Instead of staying at home, I think it’s better to come out to play. At least the young ones can learn from you,” Abdullahi said.
Be the first to comment on "Shehu Abdullahi urges Super Eagles stars to join him in NPFL—here’s why"