Kano Pillars are close to naming a new head coach after Abdallah’s recent exit.
Fans hope the next manager can revive the club’s form before the new NPFL season.
Kano Pillars are on the verge of appointing a new head coach following the departure of Usman Abdallah at the end of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. According to the club’s Management Committee Chairman, Ali Nayara, a decision on Abdallah’s replacement is expected to be made public within a few days.
Nayara confirmed that the search is in full swing. “Yes, we’re looking for a new coach. But that will be sorted out in a few days,” he said. He even joked, “Or do you have any coach to suggest for us?” highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the ongoing recruitment process.
Coach Usman Abdallah stepped down in May, shortly after the NPFL season wrapped up. His departure came two months ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign, which is scheduled to kick off on August 22, 2025. His exit marked the end of a turbulent tenure, which included a suspension earlier in the season over an alleged dispute with members of the club’s supporters’ group.
Kano Pillars, famously known as Sai Masu Gida, ended the season in 9th place with 53 points, an underwhelming finish for a club with a storied legacy and four NPFL titles. The team struggled for consistency throughout the campaign, and while Abdallah brought some tactical organization to the side, the relationship breakdown with fans and disappointing results ultimately overshadowed his contributions.
The timing of the coaching vacancy has increased pressure on the club’s management to make a swift and impactful appointment. With preseason preparations already in view, finding a capable replacement who can quickly integrate into the team and deliver results is now a top priority for the club.
Kano Pillars remain one of Nigeria’s most respected football clubs, both for their achievements and for the talent they have produced and attracted over the years. Notable stars like Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, and Rabiu Ali have donned the yellow and green jersey, cementing the club’s place in NPFL history.
Whoever takes over the coaching role will have a big task ahead: restoring the club to its former glory, reconnecting with the fan base, and improving on the team’s mid-table finish. Expectations are high in Kano, and supporters will be watching closely to see what direction the club takes next.
While no names have been officially mentioned, rumors around the NPFL suggest a mix of domestic and foreign coaches are being considered. What’s certain is that the incoming coach will need not only tactical know-how but also leadership and emotional intelligence to manage a club with a passionate following and a demanding culture.
In the meantime, the Kano Pillars faithful remain hopeful that the new season will bring a fresh start, with renewed ambition and the kind of football that once made the team a dominant force in Nigerian football.
With just under two months before the new season begins, all eyes are now on the club’s next move. Will Kano Pillars opt for experience, youth, or a foreign touch? Whatever the case, the announcement expected in the coming days will set the tone for their 2025/2026 NPFL campaign.
