Without a doubt, all is not well with Kano Pillars Football Club as there are a number of problems in the fold of the team.
The team’s failure to establish itself in the three-week-old Nigeria Premier Football League is the main cause of this.
This sad, feared, and unpleasant circumstance will be associated with many reasons and if it is not addressed immediately, it will result in something that everyone will find objectionable.
From the commencement of the league to date, no one is convinced that this is the Kano Pillars Football Club they used to see, since they have only managed one point from three games in the current Premier League.
One of the reasons the team hasn’t established its dominance in the current league, in my opinion, is the Kano Pillars Management Board’s growth or overcrowding from 14 to 18, the appointment of a player as the club’s general manager, and the delayed appointment of the club’s technical adviser.
Another problem is the delayed distribution of cash, which caused a delay in hiring excellent players to cover the aged and those who move tents.
This website went about asking people who often watched Kano Pillars FC practice and games for their opinions and suggestions in order to identify the true issue.
On the way out, other stakeholders were also contacted.
And all of this is done so that the government may investigate the issue or issues and provide appropriate answers.
Barrister Yusuf Abdussalam, Online Publisher, Sports and Current affairs analyst
It is a bit too early to assess Kano Pillars’ league performance after just three matches.
I think the focus, for now, should be on some key fundamentals like the quality of players and technical crew, team cohesion and welfare.
If all these are provided, we can assess them on input/output basis and take them to task based on their league table ranking.
Three matches are not enough to give appreciable latitude for informed analysis
Prof Garba Musa Yakasai aka AA, Sports Professor
The politicization of sports in Kano State, in my opinion, is even more of an issue than the Kano Pillars; sports cannot flourish in a system where qualified individuals are excluded due to political affiliations.
The government’s removal of politics from state sports administration is the only way to reverse this unwanted trend.
Sports will never grow, much alone advance in the state, until the proper individuals, those with the qualifications to manage them, are allowed to do what they do best.
I don’t see any reason why the government has over populate the size of the management committee of the club.
The majority of us felt that the previous size of 14 was excessive, let alone the current 18-member number. In this sense, a conflict of interest is likely.
The team like Kano Pillars FC need four to five members or at least six to serve as board members not 18 as is in the case now.
There is no place that this is practice in the whole country and Kano state cannot be an exception.
Jamilu Uba Adamu, Kano NDLEA Sports Officer
The lack of early preparation and last-minute appointment of the coach may impact the team’s performance.
However, it’s too early to pinpoint this as the sole reason for any struggles. I believe that with time, the team will find its rhythm and improve, and that’s what I’m hoping for.
Nura Garba Sabon Sara, Sports administrator, analyst and follower
To me, the problems of Kano Pillars Football Club are:
- Failure to use the 2023–2024 NPFL season technical report. If there is one, this report will include a thorough and in-depth examination of the team’s performance, player status, performance, and other factors.
It will discuss the team’s difficulties as well as the players need for the forthcoming campaign. This will help the team to recruit appropriate players for certain positions. - Players were recruited even before the coach was employed was another ill.
3. Rabiu Ali factor. At the moment playing him for 90 minutes at the age of 45 is too risky for the team. He must be well managed.
And the solutions to this are;- Technical committee must work to address this problem before the end of the first half of the season by adding depth in the defense, midfield and attack.
Pillars must create competition among the players in which your performance will give you the ticket to play match. Start preparing for the successor of Rabiu Ali before it’s late.
Lastly, the team must design a blueprint of what it wants to achieve at the end of every season. Is it to win the league, win the FA cup, or qualify for the continent?
Naziru Wapa, former Pillars board member, former Kano Pillars fans club executive
Since politicizing sports is risky and detrimental to its growth, I believe that the politicization of the team is the first issue this administration has brought about for Kano Pillars.
Sticking with their affiliate only to handle a team like Kano Pillars is a bad idea since people who are more knowledgeable about sports oversee them.
Therefore, you should seek them out and give them the responsibility of leading the team’s operations if you want results.
Muhammad Lawal Lukman (HOD Printing Department, School of technology Kano)
I am expressing my profound disappointment and deep concern regarding the current abysmal performance of our beloved Kano Pillars Football Club in the Nigeria Premier League which is struggling week after week, a situation many attributed with players’ selection and team management.
Specifically, there is a widespread perception among loyal fans that the team is disproportionately relying on aging players whose performance levels may no longer meet the demands of competitive top-flight football.
This strategic misstep has led to consistent poor results, consequently tarnishing the club’s image and demotivating its passionate fan base, who have always supported the Sai Masu Gida with unwavering loyalty.
I implore your esteemed office to look into these matters urgently. Intervention to ensure proper player vetting, recruitment of fresh, qualified talent, and overall team strategy is crucial to restoring Kano Pillars’ pride and competitive edge.
Jamilu Abdulhamid Bello, Secretary Kano State Higher institutions games Association (KASHIGA)
Kano Pillars football Club has begun the 2025/2026 NPEL season in a state of significant underperformance securing only one point from the nine available points.
This poor start echoes historical problems and places the club in immediate peril near the bottom of the table.
It appears that the Sai masu gida have no sharp attacker in the starting eleven. In the same vein, the midfield is also weak with only Rabiu Ali as a key player to supply the ball and no substitute to his name which will perfectly match.
I am aware that the club has New Coach, New GM and Some Players are also New but that notwithstanding, the Coach should do the needful for the formation focus on Defensive solidity, organization and discipline with two young talented holding midfielders and sharp attacker above all prioritize a clean sheet above all at all matches.
Another important thing is mental conditioning: Kano Pillars should hire a Sport Sociologist or Psychologist to work with the team permanently to build resilience and manage the pressure of representing a giant club.
Muhammad Mansour Ibrahim, former Kano state SWAN scribe and present SWAN Northwest VP
On the NPFL 25/6 season Performance of Kano pillars after week 3, one cannot predict a day of bad business in early morning hours.
But in the case of Kano Pillars FC, we can say it is a bad beginning. Securing just one point in a possible 9 pontts outing can call for questioning.
Started (24th August,2025) the season away to Abia Warriors Foottball Club in Umuahia, lost 1-0.
On week 2, the draw 1-1 with another arch rival Wiki Tourist of Bauchi led by former Kano Pillars Coach, Audu Maikaba.
And week 3, lost 1-0 to next door neighbour Katsina United. These last two matches could be disturbing to coach Evans Ogoyin.
But come to think of it, what manner of strikers do Pillars have? From the above result so far, it shows that Pillars are goal shy and their inability to score goals confirmed that.
This burst down to the issue of poor recruitment. As a result of lack of late recruitment and focus from management.
And this could be linked to putting the cart before the horse, as the issue of Ahmed Musa led team Manager and Ali Na yara led Chairmanship of the club.
Ali’s is administrative, while that of Musa is Technical. My question is who recruited the present crop of players for Pillars? What about the Technical Adviser/coach?
Mudassir Hamza Kantsi, Youth leader, Kano Pillars supporter
To me, the problems of Kano Pillars and their Solution are:-
– Inconsistent Performance: The team’s form has been inconsistent, with varying results in their recent matches, including losses and draws.
– Conceding Goals: Kano Pillars FC has conceded goals in most of their matches, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
– Lack of Goal Consistency: The team’s attacking prowess has been inconsistent, scoring the goal
– Tactical Issues: Kano Pillars FC might be struggling with tactical decisions, player selection, or execution on the field, leading to their poor results.
To me, the solution to these poor shows are:-
– Solidifying Defence: Strengthening their defence to prevent conceding unnecessary goals.
– Improving Attack: Enhancing their attacking strategy to score more consistently.
– Team Cohesion: Building better teamwork and communication among players.
– Adapting Tactics: Adjusting their tactics to suit different opponents and match situations.
Shehu Adamu, former Kano Pillars MO and current Kano NTA News Manager
Twenty (20) clubs are competing for success in the nation’s top division and the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the continental level as the 2025–2026 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season has begun in earnest.
Fans, stakeholders, and management all had great hopes for Kano Pillars FC, one of the NPFL’s household brands, going into the campaign.
Despite still playing, Nigerian international Ahmed Musa was named the club’s general manager by the state governor as part of the season’s preparations.
A few additions were made to bolster the team, and Ugenyi was designated substantive Technical Adviser.
However, the team’s practice games were mostly lackluster. Nevertheless, the “Sai Masu Gida” won the Ahlan-Gusau Pre-Season Tournament in Jos, Plateau State, where Kano Pillars competed.
Senior players like Rabi’u Ali (Pele) and Ahmed Musa publicly expressed hope that this season would be theirs to win the championship, suggesting that the victory raised spirits.
Nevertheless, many doubt the team’s actual preparedness for the task at hand, despite the confidence. Pillars’ poor start—one point from three games, including two away losses and a home draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofar Mata—fuels their worries.
While it may be premature to judge a team based on just three fixtures out of a 38-match season, analysts have identified several factors behind Pillars’ poor start:
Appointment of a General Manager without a clear definition of roles between his office and the club’s board.
Delay in the timely release of funds for proper pre-season preparations.
Inadequate quality recruitment to strengthen the squad.
Over-dependence on recycled players at the expense of grooming younger talents.
Lack of competent, independent football administrators on the board.
If these issues are addressed, Kano Pillars could still mount a strong challenge for the NPFL title and even make an impact in the CAF Champions League.
Finally, it is important that Kano Pillars’ passionate supporters do not lose faith because of the team’s poor start.
Their continued support could be the catalyst that drives “Sai Masu Gida” back to winning ways.
Abubakar Adam Karaye, Head of Sports and Health Services, SKYLINE UNIVERSITY NIGERIA
In view of the Kano State commitment and efforts towards moving and uplifting the SAI MASU GIDA by rescheduling and reshaping the entire management, athletes and the coaching crew of Kano Pillars. Of couse, it is a giant move. But, if I may observe recently, and referred to the last match played yesterday 7th September 2025 and look at it critically as;
- From Kano State Government all is well,
- From the management of Kano Pillars is fair and
- From the Kano Pillars athletes (Players) it is also fair and below average as expected.
If I may analyze the above views technically from the management, athletes and coaches of Kano Pillars I will look at it as follows.
- The selection process of the players, there were some issues to that and must be adjusted positively by looking at players who played yesterday’s match that, the Defense line has done it well, Midfield also, but the forwards (finishers) while in play, they usually delayed and could not finish up and score in time. It seems they are not skillful, endured and determined.
- From the coaching crew, what was the coach doing before, during and after the match? They should all be well prepared and trained the athletes verry well before any encounter and do all the needful to move and keep Kano Pillars to greater heights.
The way forward to Sai Masu Gida,
- Kano State Government should continue to sponsor the Kano Pillars with all that are needed,
- The athletes should be determined, confident and always have courage in any encounter they might play,
- Fans should continue to support the Kano Pillars 100% at all costs in home and away matches,
- The coaching team should double up and be serious minded hence this is the beginning of the league,
- There is the need for Kano Pillar to work with a qualified Sports Psychologist,
- Above all, hands must be on deck to support Kano Pillars with Prayers for success and injury free in all their matches ahead. State.
Comrade Sani Ibrahim, PhD, former Kano Pillars secretary
The regression of Kano Pillars FC. The Kano Pillars FC is regressing and will continue to regress due to poor management and administration coupled with deficient, incapacitated and unprofessional Secretariat which is completely zero.
A prominent soccer team like Kano Pillars FC deserves a strong and capable Secretary who will professionally manage its affairs.
Good results cannot be obtained until the appropriate and competent individuals are assigned to lead Kano Pillars affairs.
Bashari Ahmad Maizare, PhD, former Director of Sports
To me, the performance of Kano Pillars FC and Barau FC in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Professional Football League has drawn concern, as both clubs presently occupy low positions on the league table.
While Barau FC, newly promoted to the NPFL, has shown enthusiasm and attracted strong fan support, the team struggles with inexperience and adapting to top-flight competition.
Kano Pillars, despite fresh signings and preparations, have equally failed to translate their efforts into consistent results.
Common issues among the two include tactical instability, venue challenges, and pressure from high expectations of supporters.
The similarities in their poor performance stem largely from weak tactical cohesion, unsettled formations, and lack of psychological preparedness to withstand competitive pressure.
Barau FC faces additional difficulty due to irregular home venues which reduce home advantage, while Kano Pillars appear to be in a transitional phase of rebuilding.
Both clubs, however, display competitive gaps when compared to established NPFL teams, highlighting the urgent need for corrective measures.
It is therefore recommended that immediate steps be taken to simplify tactics, emphasize set-piece routines, and strengthen team discipline and fitness.
In the medium term, stabilizing coaching leadership, recruiting experienced players, and ensuring venue stability will help improve results.
Long-term strategies such as establishing youth academies, professionalizing governance, and employing performance analysts will not only address the current decline but also position both Kano-based clubs for sustained growth and competitiveness.
Tijjani Shehu Yahaya, online publisher, sports administrator
Kano Pillars FC’s poor start of just one point from three matches highlights deeper issues within the team, ranging from weak defensive organization and lapses in concentration that cost them goals.
Lack of creativity and sharpness in attack, where chances are not being converted effectively is another serious problem which must be addressed..
The midfield also struggles to control games, leading to opponents dominating possession and dictating play.
In addition, psychological pressure from high fan expectations and possible management or tactical inconsistencies have made it difficult for the players to find rhythm and confidence early in the season.
