Former Super Eagles defender, Shehu Abdullahi, will make his Kano Pillars return debut in Wednesday’s NPFL matchday-7 fixture against title holders, Rangers, at the ‘Cathedral,’ Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu, Completesports.com reports.
Abdullahi, a former Nigeria U20 Flying Eagles and U23 Olympic Eagles defensive midfielder, returned to Kano Pillars from Bulgarian side Levski Sofia.
He rejoined his boyhood club alongside Ahmed Musa. While Musa, a former Super Eagles captain and winger, has made two appearances for the Sai Masu Gida side, scoring two goals, Abdullahi is yet to play any minutes in the 2024/2025 NPFL season.
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After playing a bench role in Kano Pillars’ 2-0 defeat at Akwa United, Technical Adviser Usman Abdalla has handed Abdullahi a starting role in the crucial fixture against the Coal City Flying Antelopes.
Head coach of Kano Pillars, Ahmed Garba (Yaro Yaro), exclusively told Completesports.com that Abdullahi will start against Rangers, expressing confidence that his combination with Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ali will secure victory in Enugu.
“I’m on my way to the pre-match meeting for the match against Rangers,” Yaro Yaro told Completesports.com on Wednesday morning.
“This is a very crucial game for us. In fact, we’re looking forward to taking all three points—nothing more, nothing less.
“When we left Kano last week, our objective was to get at least three points from the two away games against Akwa United and Rangers. Unfortunately, we lost in Uyo to Akwa United, so we have no choice but to make up for that defeat with a win against Rangers.
“Yes, Shehu Abdullahi will play. He’ll start. It will be his first match. Remember, he was on the bench against Akwa United in Uyo on Sunday. So today, against Rangers, he’ll play; in fact, he’ll start.”
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When asked about the source of his confidence for victory against Rangers in Enugu, Yaro Yaro, who won the CAF Champions League with Enyimba in 2003, said Rangers will have a tough time containing the firepower of Kano Pillars’ squad, which will include Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, and Rabiu Ali.
“When you have Ahmed Musa, Rabiu Ali, and Shehu Abdullahi starting a game, you can’t help but expect the best result,” Yaro Yaro enthused.
“These are experienced players, motivators, and leaders on and off the pitch. We hope to win to make up for the defeat we suffered in Uyo,” Yaro Yaro concluded.
By Sab Osuji
