Kano Pillars Suspend Coaches After Poor Start To NPFL Season

20 Oct 2025, 17:28 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Kano Pillars Football Club have suspended their Technical Adviser, Evans Ogenyi, and Chief Coach, Ahmed Garba, following what the management described as an underwhelming start to the 2025-2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

In a statement released on Monday by Kano Pillars’ Media and Communications Directorate, the management said the suspension takes immediate effect and is part of measures to “reposition the team for better results.”

So far, the four-time NPFL champions have managed only two wins, two draws, and four losses from eight games, a performance that the management said falls far below expectations.

“In the interim, former club captain and Assistant Coach, Mr Gambo Muhammad, alongside Goalkeeping Coach, Mr Suleiman Shuaibu, will take charge of the team’s technical responsibilities,” the statement said. “Coach Garzali Muhammad from the Junior Pillars will also join the interim team in an ad-hoc capacity pending further directives.”

The management thanked the club’s supporters for their patience and loyalty, assuring them that steps were being taken to restore the team’s winning form.

The decision came just a day after Pillars fell 2-1 to newly promoted Barau FC in a Match Day 9 fixture played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali had given the home side an early lead in the 20th minute, but Barau’s Ibrahim Yahaya equalised from the penalty spot before Stanley Okafor Oganbor sealed victory for the visitors in the 75th minute.

The loss deepened the club’s woes, as Pillars are already grappling with heavy sanctions from the NPFL for crowd trouble during their recent home game against Shooting Stars.

The club was fined ₦9.5 million, docked three points and three goals, and ordered to play their next 10 home matches in Katsina behind closed doors.

The former champions now sit 20th on the league table after nine games, their worst start in recent seasons.

Kano Pillars will host Niger Tornadoes in a crucial Match Day 10 fixture this weekend as the interim technical crew seeks to steady the team’s turbulent campaign.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the NPFL, Kwara United interim coach, Ashifat Suleiman, has declared that his team is determined to fight for the league title this season after edging Katsina United 1-0 on Sunday. Ibrahim Yahaya’s long-range effort handed the Ilorin-based side all three points at the Rashidi Yekini Stadium.

“We won the FA Cup last season, and this season our focus is the league,” Suleiman said confidently after the match.

Kwara United’s victory moved them to 10th on the table with 12 points. They will face Rangers next in Enugu.

In another result, Kun Khalifat FC Chairman, Michelle Amaefula, has expressed bold ambitions after his team secured their first away win in the NPFL, a 2-1 triumph over Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

“I told you that we are coming to NPFL. Now we are here, and sooner or later you will see us in a CAF competition,” Amaefula said after the match.

Kun Khalifat, unbeaten in their last two games, will next play Bendel Insurance at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.