Official: NPFL giants Kano Pillars loan out talented youngster Oscar to Serbian club FK Radnički Niš

Former Nigerian champions Kano Pillars have confirmed the departure of their rising star, Abba Adam Oscar, who has joined Serbian SuperLiga side FK Radnički Niš on loan until the end of the season, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The deal includes an option for the Serbian club to make the move permanent if specific conditions are met.

Oscar, one of Kano Pillars’ standout performers this season, has been a key player despite the team’s inconsistent results in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The young forward is the club’s third-highest goalscorer this campaign, netting five times — behind veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali (nine goals) and Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa (six goals).

Best striker in the Nigeria Premier League Abba Adam @ Kano pillars ✅ pic.twitter.com/e68NkTVty2

— KABIRU MUHAMMAD (@kabiru_muh3391) February 1, 2025

The 21-year-old has shown significant improvement from his debut NPFL season, where he managed just three goals.

This term, he has already found the back of the net against Katsina United, scored a brace against Enyimba International, and added goals against Ikorodu City and Remo Stars — the latter in a disappointing 4-1 defeat last weekend.

READ MORE: NPFL: Niger Tornadoes taste sweet revenge against champions Rangers as Sunshine Stars edge 7-goal thriller 

Kano Pillars confirmed Oscar’s departure in an official statement on their social media platforms, saying:

“We’ve agreed to loan our forward Abba Adam Oscar to Serbian club FK Radnički Niš for the season, with an option to buy. Oscar, who has scored five goals in the NPFL25 season, will miss today’s game against Abia Warriors.”

CLUB NEWS

We’ve agreed to loan our forward Abba Adam Oscar to Serbian club FK Radnički Niš for the season, with an option to buy. Oscar, who has scored five goals in the NPFL25 season, will miss today’s game against Abia Warriors.

We wish him success in his new journey! pic.twitter.com/MFRDocdaHh

— Kano Pillars FC (@pillarsfc) February 15, 2025

A new challenge in Serbia for the Kano Pillars gem

Oscar will now be tasked with making an impact at FK Radnički Niš, a club with a rich history in Serbian and former Yugoslavian football.

Radnički Niš have spent a combined 29 seasons in the top flight of the old Yugoslav First League, finishing third in consecutive seasons (1980 and 1981). They have also competed in European tournaments, notably reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 1982 and winning the Balkans Cup in 1975.

More recently, the club has established itself in the Serbian SuperLiga, where they have played since 2012. Their best league finish came in the 2018-19 season when they finished as runners-up. Last season, however, they ended in a disappointing 12th place.

Currently, Radnički Niš sit in eighth position after 22 rounds of matches, having won eight, drawn five, and lost nine. They have scored 32 goals but struggled defensively, conceding 39 times.

Oscar will be only the second Nigerian player to feature for FK Radnički Niš, following in the footsteps of Yusuf Bamidele.

The winger joined the Serbian side from Portuguese club Estoril Praia in February 2024, scoring six goals in 16 appearances before moving to FK Vojvodina Novi Sad in July.

Now, the Nigerian youngster has a golden opportunity to make a name for himself in European football. If he continues his impressive form in Serbia, he could put himself in the spotlight for a permanent transfer and potentially attract interest from bigger clubs in Europe.