Former Super Eagles’ Player Ends Football Career To Chase National Assembly Seat

Former Super Eagles defender Shehu Abdullahi has brought his professional football career to a close as he turns his attention fully to politics, setting his sights on a seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The 33-year-old, who enjoyed a career spanning youth and senior international levels, is reportedly preparing to contest for the Sokoto North/Sokoto South Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abdullahi’s decision marks a significant shift from sport to public service, ending a journey that saw him represent Nigeria at U-17, U-20, U-23 and senior levels. Between 2014 and 2019, he earned 37 caps for the Super Eagles, establishing himself as a dependable presence in the national team’s defence.

At club level, Abdullahi built a well-travelled career across Europe, featuring for sides such as Anorthosis Famagusta FC, Bursaspor, AC Omonia and Levski Sofia. He returned to Nigeria in 2024 to rejoin his boyhood club, Kano Pillars, where he featured in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Following the conclusion of the season, Abdullahi’s transition into public service began in earnest when he was appointed Special Assistant to the Sokoto State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development — a role that appears to have paved the way for his deeper involvement in politics.

Confirmation of his retirement and political ambition came from former teammate Ahmed Garba, who revealed that Abdullahi has stepped away from football entirely.

“Shehu Abdullahi is no longer with Kano Pillars. He has also stopped playing football and has joined politics,” Ahmed Garba told Completesports.com yesterday. “He has returned to Sokoto State and is now set to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Sokoto North/Sokoto South Federal Constituency.”

Abdullahi’s move reflects a growing trend of athletes transitioning into governance, leveraging their public profile and leadership experience gained in sport.

Should he succeed at the polls in 2027, Abdullahi would become the first Super Eagles’ player to make a leap from the pitch to political office through democratic elections.

His candidacy is expected to generate significant interest, particularly among young voters and sports enthusiasts, as he seeks to translate his on-field discipline and teamwork into legislative impact.