Aliyu Zubairu bids farewell to El-Kanemi Warriors after two remarkable years, ending a tenure defined by success and transformation.
From NPFL promotion to FA Cup triumph, his legacy leaves a lasting mark on the club and earns him widespread respect across Borno State.
Aliyu Zubairu has officially stepped down as head coach of El-Kanemi Warriors, bringing an impactful two-year tenure to a close. The respected tactician leaves behind a legacy of promotion success, cup glory, and Premier League survival, earning heartfelt praise from fans, players, and Borno State leadership.
Aliyu Zubairu has formally announced his departure from Nigeria Premier Football League side El-Kanemi Warriors, ending a transformative two-year journey with the Borno-based club. In a heartfelt farewell letter addressed to the club’s management, players, and supporters, the respected coach expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the team’s rise and stability.
Zubairu’s departure marks the conclusion of a tenure defined by remarkable achievements, including the team’s promotion to the top flight, a historic victory in the President’s Federation Cup (FA Cup), and successfully securing their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) status.
“After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to renew my contract, which expires at the end of my two-year tenure,” Zubairu wrote. “This decision stems from my confidence that I’ve made a meaningful contribution to the club’s growth and development.”
His bond with El-Kanemi Warriors runs deeper than coaching; Zubairu previously played for the club during his career and his return in a managerial capacity brought a renewed spirit and tactical vision that helped the club reestablish its identity in Nigerian football.
During his farewell, he paid tribute to the club’s management, technical staff, and players, acknowledging their role in achieving collective success. He also reserved special praise for the fans, whose unwavering support he described as “a reaffirmation of the importance of community in football.”
Zubairu extended heartfelt thanks to key figures in Borno State for their strong backing throughout his tenure. He singled out Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Commissioner for Sports Honorable Saina Buba, and the Chairman of the Borno State Football Association, Alhaji Babagana Kalli, for their steadfast support of both his vision and the club.
His departure does not signal an end to his connection with the state. “Borno will always remain a home to me and dear to my heart,” he said in an emotional conclusion to his message.
Zubairu, who currently serves as the head coach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, is now shifting focus to his national duties. His tenure at El-Kanemi Warriors is widely regarded as one of the most successful in the club’s recent history, with many commending his leadership both on and off the pitch.
Under his guidance, the club not only tasted success but also rekindled its status as a respected force in the NPFL. His ability to balance ambition with realism helped El-Kanemi navigate challenges and celebrate milestones that will remain etched in the club’s history.
As he embarks on the next chapter of his coaching career, Zubairu leaves with his head held high and the respect of the football community firmly intact. El-Kanemi Warriors, and indeed Borno State, will undoubtedly feel the impact of his absence, but also the lasting legacy of a coach who gave his all.
