Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has launched a severe attack on NPFL match officials following a controversial 1-0 defeat to Nasarawa United, labelling them as “moral killers” and questioning his decision to return to Nigerian football. The former Leicester City star pointed to several contentious decisions by referee Dahiru Muhammed Kawo and his assistants, including a disputed goal where two Nasarawa United players appeared to be in offside positions.
Musa’s criticism carries significant weight as his recent return to boyhood club Kano Pillars, alongside Shehu Abdullahi, was meant to inspire other Super Eagles stars to consider NPFL homecomings. However, the national team captain now warns he cannot recommend the league to his international teammates if such officiating standards persist, potentially derailing efforts to attract high-profile players to the domestic league.
The controversy deepened when Kano Pillars’ Technical Adviser Usman Abdallah joined Musa in condemning the officiating and raising questions about StarTimes’ unexpected absence from scheduled broadcast coverage. The situation has sparked broader concerns about transparency and professionalism in the league, with calls for immediate reforms in referee selection and accountability.
Musa, who chose the NPFL over international offers to help elevate the league to European standards, expressed frustration with the officials’ performance at the Lafia City Stadium. His stark warning that continuing poor officiating would make his NPFL return “a waste of effort” has highlighted the urgent need for reform in Nigerian football officiating, as Kano Pillars prepare to face Plateau United in Matchday 10.
