Musa’s Comeback; John Ogu’s Rumoured Return
Nigerian football might not be in the global spotlight unlike other top flights but it is still one of the most entertaining sporting events in the world. We just don’t notice it because of major football leagues such as the Premier League (EPL) and La Liga. In fact, the Nigerian Professional Football League or NPFL is regarded as the highest level of the Nigerian football league system.
Among the hottest talks of the town is Ahmed Musa’s NPFL comeback after 11 years. He signed a short-term contract with Kano Pillars, the same club he played in before leaving for Europe in 2010.
According to former Super Eagles assistant coach Ike Shorunmu, it is surprising that Musa decided to play in the NPFL once again. He stated that it might be because he wants to stay fit for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. With the current season still not wrapped, punters from the country can still place their bets on various online sportsbooks. For instance, Sportsbet.io accepts punters from Nigeria now.
Former Ajax winger Tijani Babangida also believes that Musa’s return to the NPFL will help him keep in shape.
‘There is nothing bad with the second coming of Ahmed Musa to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). I love his boldness to have made such a decision, and I believe it will be to the benefit of the senior national team and Kano Pillars as well’, Babangida stated.
‘For me, Musa’s return to the league will keep him fit for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and also open a window of opportunity for him during the summer transfer window in Europe. So you can see why I commend his decision’, he added.
Musa is actually the first Nigerian to score more than once in the FIFA World Cup. It was against Argentina in 2014 and Iceland in 2018. He also played in Al-Nassr FC, a Saudi Arabian football club based in Riyadh that won the Saudi Super Cup and Saudi Premier League in 2019.
‘I left Pillars over 10 years ago without winning the league then, but now, by God’s grace, I will make a special record by leading the club to the Nigeria Professional Football League title’, Musa said.
John Ogu should not be forced to come back
Contrary to Musa’s comeback, Shorunmu said that the fans should not pressure John Ogu to play in the NPFL again. He said that Ogu has the right to decide for himself and that his situation is different from Musa. Shorunmu also added that Ogu should be left alone to decide because it is his career after all.
Ogu started his career with Akwa United and was able to play all over Europe with his outstanding skills. He also played a total of 151 games and scored 13 goals for Hapoel Be’er Sheva. It is actually the longest stint of his career.
When he left Saudi Arabian football club Al-Adalah FC in 2020, a lot of rumours about his return to Nigeria circulated. This is because did not play for almost a year after leaving the squad.
‘Crazy how things turned out to be due to the global pandemic all over the world but I just want to wish you guys all the very best in the future’, Ogu said.
‘I’m grateful for all your support and prayers towards me and my career. It means a lot. Looking forward to what’s next for me’, he added.
Since Ogu doesn’t have a team at the moment, there are probably several clubs that are willing to sign him. There are also some rumours saying that if he decides to return to the NPFL, he will probably join Akwa United. For bettors out there, NPFL is another great market to get into so keep updated with the league because online sportsbooks like Sportsbet.io accepts punters from Nigeria now.
