Ahmed Musa Reflects on His Tough Journey to Football Success

In-form attacker and Kano Pillars returnee, Ahmed Musa, has taken time to reflect on his challenging early days in football, sharing candid insights into the struggles and obstacles he faced. Widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football and still seen as a leader of the Super Eagles, despite not being invited to their last four matches, Musa’s journey is one of resilience and determination.

Since rejoining Kano Pillars, the club where he rose to prominence in 2010, Musa has made a remarkable impact, scoring five goals in his first ten matches back. As the newly appointed captain of the Sai Masu Gida, Musa continues to shine in the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL, showcasing the form and leadership that made him an international star.

A Difficult Start in Life

Ahmed Musa, reflecting on his upbringing, revealed the harsh realities of his childhood. “I never believed I would be where I am today. Alhamdulillah, thanks to Almighty Allah,” he began.

Born into a modest family, Musa’s father passed away when he was still a young boy, leaving his mother to bear the weight of raising the family. “When I was growing up, it was a little bit difficult for the family. My dad was late when I was a little boy, and my mum had to go through a lot. It was not that easy,” he recalled.

Musa shared a poignant memory of how his mother often went to parties to bring food home for the family. “Sometimes, before we could eat, she had to go to a party and take some food, then bring it home so that we could have something to eat.”

Hiding His Football Dreams

Although his father and older brother both played football at certain points, Musa revealed that they were not supportive of his decision to pursue a career in the sport. Instead, they wanted him to focus on his education.

“My father, before he became late, was a football player. He played football for some years, and my elder brother also played football. But when I started football, I had to hide. At that time, when you said you were playing football, everybody thought you were doing nothing,” Musa said.

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He continued, “Unlike nowadays, when football is one of the biggest businesses in the world, back then, you had to hide to play on the streets. You couldn’t tell your parents you wanted to play football because they just wanted you to go to school. That’s why it was not easy for me when I started playing football.”

The Early Struggles in Football

Ahmed Musa began his career with Aminchi Football Academy before being loaned to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) FC from 2008 to 2009. He described his initial struggles as a young player in the Nigerian league.

“As a young player, I didn’t have enough experience of playing in the league, and that made it difficult for me in my first season. I didn’t play any match until the second half of the season, and that was only after the coach was sacked,” Musa recalled.

He credited the late Coach Tony, who was promoted from the second team to the first team, for giving him his breakthrough. “They said I was too small, but it was Coach Tony, may his soul rest in peace, who saw me and gave me the chance to play. I remember how everything changed for me in a game against Heartland. I scored in that match, but the ref said it was offside. We finished the game zero-zero, but I played well, and since then, that was how I picked up,” Musa narrated.

The Turning Point

Musa’s talent soon caught the attention of Kano Pillars, where he joined on loan from GBS Football Academy. He described how his time at the club marked a significant turning point in his career.

“I soon moved to Kano Pillars, and it was easier for me to settle down this time. Although they couldn’t register me to play in the Champions League, and I missed their semi-final matches versus Heartland, it was the same Heartland that I later first played against for Kano Pillars,” Musa said.

He vividly recounted his performance against Heartland in the league. “They beat us 4-0 in the first leg in Owerri and still beat us 1-0 in Kano, but the result was different when I played against them in the league. I scored two goals in that match. I also scored against Ranchers Bees in our next game, and it continued like that throughout the season. That was how everything changed for me in football, and I am where I am today.”

Homecoming and Legacy

Now back with Kano Pillars, Ahmed Musa’s return symbolizes his full-circle journey in football. His presence in the NPFL has brought renewed attention to the league and inspired younger players to follow in his footsteps.

As he continues to perform at the highest level, Musa’s reflections on his early days serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance, hard work, and belief. His journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, remains a source of inspiration for football enthusiasts across Nigeria and beyond.