Kano Pillars star Ahmed Musa has questioned his decision to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season after hitting out as the poor officiating in the 1-0 defeat to Nasarawa United on Sunday.

The Nigeria international signed for Sai Masu Gida on a free transfer earlier this month after enjoying a distinguished career overseas and scored a brace on his debut against Sunshine Stars.

Kano Pillars dropped down to 13th place in the NPFL, 10 points behind table-topping Rivers United after Anas Yusuf’s 41st-minute goal handed them a fourth defeat in nine matches.

However, Musa was disappointed that the goal was allowed to stand as Yusuf and a team-mate appeared to be in offside positions in the lead-up to the match-winning goal.

The 32-year-old winger believes bad decision-making from the match officials is damaging the game in Nigeria and be wouldn’t encourage others to follow in his footsteps given the current situation in the top flight.

“I’ve been praising the officiating and the progress in the league up until now, but the performance of the officials in this matchday 9 game makes me wonder if coming back to play in the NPFL was the right choice,” Musa said.

“For the league to improve, we need to address the quality of officiating. Officials must not be allowed to kill the players’ morale and effort.

“If I keep witnessing such officiating, I cannot encourage anyone to return to the NPFL. It would be a waste of our efforts if this continues.

“I wanted to help elevate the NPFL to European standards. But with officiating like what I saw in Lafia, it doesn’t reflect a serious league.”