They lifted Ahmed Musa shoulder high and others struggled to get selfies with him as he struggled to free himself from the admiring mob of fans at the end of the game between Akwa United and Kano Pillars.
Akwa United had just beaten their guests Pillars 2-0 and it was made more interesting by the fact that Coach Baba Ganaru was winning his first game of the season against his former club.
Apparently, the over 6000 fans at the stadium were excited by the presence of the former Super Eagles captain, Musa who was making his second appearance for Kano Pillars since rejoining the club for a third stint.
Goals on either half of the match settled the evenly contested encounter in favour of Akwa United which has suffered a poor start to the season- winless in five games with two home defeats.
By the time the referee blew for full-time, fans began scaling the high railings and rushing towards Musa, Nigeria’s most capped national team player.
It was indeed a show of love and not the kind of hostile pitch invasion that tasks security operatives. While they may have been caught unawares, their attempt to prevent the fans from celebrating their idol was fruitless. Even Musa’s disposition with smiles and handshakes to the admiring fans made the security details hold back.
“Musa, Musa, Musa,” they chanted as two fans lifted him on their shoulders running.
When he alighted, the player who had for several years led the Super Eagles to memorable run outs at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, spared time patiently to pose for photographs with lucky fans who gained access to his side.
“I am truly overwhelmed by the show of love by the fans.
“I felt at home before and during the match as I am not a stranger to the beautiful city of Uyo and the stadium where I led the Eagles to many wins.
“It was the fans’ admiration after the match that touched me the most. I never got this reception even when we qualified for the World Cup here,” Musa told a group of journalists by the pitch.
Utibe Effiong, one of the fans said he came to watch the match after he heard that Musa trained with the team on Saturday evening.
“Ah! I made sure I came here today because I have been reading and hearing that Ahmed Musa rejoined Pillars.
“I came very early today because yesterday, I saw video of him training with the team. I have already begun sharing the pictures with him on my social media handles and I hope to get many engagements on the posts,” a fulfilled Effiong said.
For Mary Aniete, “It felt too real to be true to have Musa pose with her in a picture.” The aspiring female player said meeting established stars like Musa motivates young up-and-coming players because they see them as role models.
Next for Kano Pillars will be a midweek Matchday 7 clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Wednesday, October 16.
NPFL Media
Extrasportnigeria 
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