WHEN Nigerian football legend Ahmed Musa lines up against fellow 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner Brown Ideye at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Thursday, it will mark a fascinating moment in one of Nigeria’s oldest football rivalries, as two accomplished internationals reignite the fierce battle between Kano Pillars and Enyimba.
The clash between these Nigerian football powerhouses, who share 13 league titles between them, has produced some of the most memorable matches in Nigeria Premier Football League history.
Now, the rivalry takes on added significance with the presence of these two veterans who have returned to elevate the domestic game.
Musa, 32, has been in scintillating form since rejoining his boyhood club Pillars, netting six goals in 12 appearances this season. His most recent strike came in their 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes on December 21, 2024, and he’ll be eager to open his 2025 account against the People’s Elephant.
The former Leicester City forward’s return to the NPFL is particularly significant given his status as one of Nigeria’s most decorated players, having earned over 100 caps for the national team and featured in three World Cups.
His impact on the league has been immediate and profound. Home and away matches featuring Pillars have seen unprecedented attendance figures, with fans flocking to stadiums across the country to witness the Super Eagles captain in action.
His presence has brought a new level of professionalism and attention to the domestic game, inspiring younger players and raising the overall standard of play.
Meanwhile, Ideye, 36, has hit the ground running at Enyimba since completing his move in December, scoring twice in just five appearances.
His latest goal helped secure a crucial 2-1 win over Nasarawa United on January 8, demonstrating he hasn’t lost his scoring touch despite a 17-year absence from the Nigerian top flight. The striker’s return marks the end of a lengthy European sojourn that saw him feature for clubs like West Bromwich Albion, Dynamo Kyiv and Olympiacos.
Their individual journeys back to the NPFL tell different but equally compelling stories. While Musa’s return represents a legendary figure choosing to give back to the league that launched his career, Ideye’s homecoming symbolises a growing trend of Nigerian internationals seeing value in returning to strengthen the domestic game.
The historical significance of this fixture is underscored by their head-to-head record since 2010, with Pillars slightly edging it with 11 wins to Enyimba’s 10 in 23 meetings. Two matches ended in draws, highlighting how closely matched these sides have been over the years. The rivalry has consistently produced goals, with Pillars scoring 28 times to Enyimba’s 26 across these encounters.
Recent meetings have been particularly dramatic. Their last clash saw Enyimba secure an emphatic 5-0 victory in April 2024, their biggest win in the fixture’s history. However, Pillars had won the reverse fixture 1-0 through Abba Adam’s strike in November 2023, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of this historic rivalry.
Enyimba, under new coach Stanley Eguma, occupy seventh place with 27 points from 17 matches, while Pillars are ninth with 25 points from 18 games. Leaders Remo Stars have set the pace with 36 points from 19 matches, leaving both giants with significant ground to make up in their pursuit of continental football.
Pillars’ assistant coach, Gambo Mohammed, expressed confidence ahead of the encounter. “Everyone is ready for the match with Enyimba,” he stated on social media platform X.
The hosts will be banking on Musa’s experience and goalscoring form to secure three points and potentially climb into the top six.
For Enyimba, this match represents an opportunity to bounce back from their recent CAF Confederation Cup elimination by Zamalek. Ideye’s arrival has brought renewed optimism to the nine-time champions, who are looking to rebuild under Eguma following Yemi Olanrewaju’s departure.
The former West Brom striker’s experience could prove crucial in helping the People’s Elephant return to continental competition.
The return of these internationals has already begun transforming the NPFL’s landscape. Their presence has not only elevated the technical quality but also attracted increased media attention and fan interest.
This trend could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s sports economy, with several other Nigerian players abroad reportedly expressing interest in following their path.
“I received a lot of messages from other players playing abroad, those who are looking forward to being part of this,” Ideye revealed after making his debut.
“We just have to give everyone their respect and support to improve the league and make it a homecoming. A lot of players in Europe are not doing well, they want to come back home.”
The NPFL has seen similar successful returns, with players like Godfrey Oboabona and Shehu Abdullahi also making their way back to the domestic league. This growing trend mirrors models in South America, where stars often return to contribute to their domestic leagues in the latter stages of their careers.
When the referee’s whistle signals kick-off on Thursday, it won’t just be about three points. It will be about two proven stars in their own right, adding their own chapter to one of the country’s most storied rivalries.