Kano Pillars suspend Technical Adviser, Chief Coach

The management of Kano Pillars Football Club has suspended the team’s Technical Adviser, Ogenyi Evans, and Chief Coach, Ahmed Garba, following what it described as the team’s unsatisfactory performance in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

In a statement released by the club’s Media and Communications Directorate on Monday in Kano, the management said the suspension takes immediate effect and is aimed at repositioning the team for improved results.

According to the statement, Pillars have so far played eight league matches, recording two wins, two draws, and four defeats — a performance the management considered far below expectations.

“In the interim, former club captain and Assistant Coach, Mr. Gambo Muhammad, alongside Goalkeeping Coach, Mr. Suleiman Shuaibu, will oversee the team’s technical responsibilities,” the statement said.

It added that Coach Garzali Muhammad from the Junior Pillars will join the interim team in an ad-hoc capacity pending further directives from the club’s hierarchy.

The management also appreciated the supporters for their unwavering loyalty and assured them that decisive measures were being taken to restore the team’s winning form.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) recently sanctioned Kano Pillars over incidents of crowd trouble during their home match against Shooting Stars. The club was fined ₦9.5 million, ordered to play their next 10 home matches in Katsina behind closed doors, and docked three points and three goals from their season’s tally.

Kano Pillars’ struggles continued over the weekend as they lost 2–1 to newly promoted Barau FC in a Match Day 9 encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium, which currently serves as Barau’s adopted home ground.

Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali gave Pillars an early lead in the 20th minute, but Barau’s Ibrahim Yahaya equalised from the penalty spot, his fourth goal of the season, before Stanley Okafor Oganbor sealed the win for the hosts in the 75th minute.

The defeat and subsequent sanctions have further increased pressure on the club’s management and technical crew, as Pillars currently sit 20th on the NPFL standings after nine games.