Rabiu Ali, captain of Kano Pillars FC, a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, has exclusively told Completesports.com that he has yet to consider retiring from his football career.
Ali, 44, is undoubtedly the oldest player in the domestic top flight. The midfielder expressed pride in the current season, highlighting what he described as ‘massive improvements’ in organisation, the quality of play, and officiating. He noted that these factors have made it possible for teams to win away from home, provided they play well, take their chances, and have a bit of luck on their side.
Ali exemplifies the saying, ‘old wine tastes better with age.’
“I’m enjoying my career and the game at the moment. Life has been good to me as a footballer, and I believe I’m in the right place here at Kano Pillars,” Ali began when Completesports.com spoke to him following his team’s defeat at Abia Warriors in a Matchday-4 NPFL fixture in Umuahia.
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“It’s unfortunate that we lost the game against Abia Warriors, but life goes on. We’re seeing an improved NPFL this time around. Teams are winning away matches comfortably, and teams are also losing on their home grounds. It has been a massively improved league, and I think everyone is happy and enjoying it.”
When asked how soon he plans to retire, Ali affirmed that he still has more to offer the game and is not considering retirement just yet.
“Retirement? Well, that hasn’t crossed my mind yet. I’m still enjoying the game. I believe I still have more to offer both the game and the club, Kano Pillars. When the right time comes, at the right moment, I’ll retire, but for now, no, I’m not considering it.”
Ali also shared his thoughts on the best coaches in the league, naming Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede as his top choices.
“I’ve not played under either of them, but in my view, Ilechukwu of Rangers and Ogunmodede of Remo Stars stand out. I love their carriage, charisma, and everything about them, including the way their teams play,” Ali remarked.
Born on 27 September 1980, Rabiu Ali has enjoyed a glittering career at Kano Pillars after moving from Nasarawa United. As captain of the ‘Groundnut City’ side, Ali has won the Nigeria Premier League three times (2011/2012, 2012/2013, and 2013/2014). He also won the domestic FA Cup with Kano Pillars in 2019.
However, Ali expressed regret when reflecting on his continental achievements.
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“Unfortunately, it hasn’t been rosy for us, Kano Pillars, as a club, on the continental stage,” Ali lamented. “We’ve been on the continent several times, but the most remarkable moment was in 2009 when we reached the semi-final stage of the CAF Champions League. Sadly, we lost to Heartland in both legs (4-0 in Owerri and 1-0 in Kano). We had hoped to defeat Heartland and reach the final. It would have been a remarkable and joyous moment in the history of the club and for the people of Kano State.”
When asked what has kept him ‘fresh and evergreen’ in the game despite his age, Ali credited his lifestyle.
“Aside from injuries, your lifestyle, on and off the pitch, plays a big role in how long or how far your career can go,” said the soft-spoken Kano Pillars skipper. “Almighty Allah has been merciful to me. I haven’t had career-threatening injuries. Additionally, I avoid acts like drinking, smoking, and going after women. I’m content with what I have.”
There has been speculation that Rabiu Ali has three wives, but the veteran debunked that rumour, clarifying that he has only two wives.
“No, I have only two wives, not three. I’m content with two and have no need for more or for going outside,” Ali stated.
Rabiu Ali was a member of the late Coach Stephen Keshi’s CHAN Eagles squad that won bronze at the 2014 CHAN Tournament in Cape Town, South Africa.
The 5 feet 11-inch midfielder has earned 18 caps and scored five goals in his international career.
By Sab Osuji
