Kano, Nigeria – October 20, 2025: In a bold move to address the dismal performance of Kano Pillars Football Club in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, the club’s management announced the immediate suspension of Technical Adviser Ogenyi Evans and Chief Coach Ahmed Garba on Monday, October 20, 2025. The decision, which has sent ripples through the Nigerian football community, was made public through an official statement released by the club, citing the team’s underwhelming results as the primary reason for the drastic action. With only two wins, two draws, and four defeats in their first eight matches, the club’s leadership described the record as falling short of the expectations for a team of Kano Pillars’ stature.
The statement from the club’s management emphasized their commitment to repositioning the team for better results in the ongoing season. Kano Pillars, one of Nigeria’s most storied football clubs, have a rich history of success, including multiple NPFL titles, and the current campaign’s struggles have raised concerns among fans and stakeholders. The suspension of Evans and Garba marks a critical juncture in the club’s efforts to turn around their fortunes and restore their competitive edge in the league.
To fill the void left by the suspended coaches, the club has appointed former captain and Assistant Coach Gambo Muhammad to take charge of technical responsibilities on an interim basis. He will be assisted by Goalkeeping Coach Suleiman Shuaibu, with additional support from Coach Garzali Muhammad, who has been drafted in from the Junior Pillars setup in an ad-hoc capacity. This interim technical crew is tasked with stabilizing the team and steering them toward improved performances in the coming matches.
The coaching shake-up comes on the heels of a disappointing 2–1 defeat to newly promoted Barau FC in a Match Day 9 fixture. The match saw veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali give Kano Pillars an early lead, only for Barau FC to stage a comeback with goals from Ibrahim Yahaya, who converted from the penalty spot, and Stanley Okafor Oganbor. The loss further highlighted the team’s struggles, as they failed to capitalize on their early advantage and succumbed to a determined Barau FC side. This defeat, coupled with the team’s inconsistent performances throughout the season, appears to have been the tipping point for the management’s decision to suspend the coaching staff.
Adding to the club’s woes, Kano Pillars are grappling with severe disciplinary sanctions imposed by the NPFL following crowd trouble during a recent home match against Shooting Stars. The league authorities deducted three points and three goals from the team’s tally, imposed a ₦9.5 million fine, and ordered the club to play their next 10 home matches behind closed doors at a neutral venue in Katsina. These penalties have significantly compounded the challenges facing the team, both on and off the pitch, as they navigate a turbulent season.
As a result of their poor performances and the NPFL sanctions, Kano Pillars currently languish in 20th position in the league standings after nine games. The deduction of points has further eroded their standing, placing them in the relegation zone and intensifying the pressure on the interim coaching staff to deliver results. The club’s management has acknowledged the loyalty of their supporters during this challenging period, expressing gratitude for their unwavering commitment. In their statement, they reassured fans that decisive measures are being taken to restore the team’s winning spirit and return Kano Pillars to their rightful place among the NPFL’s elite.
The suspension of Ogenyi Evans and Ahmed Garba has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether the coaching change will yield the desired results. Evans, who joined the club with high expectations, has struggled to replicate the success he achieved at previous clubs, while Garba’s tenure has been similarly underwhelming. The interim coaching team now faces the daunting task of turning around a demoralized squad while contending with the absence of home crowd support due to the NPFL’s sanctions.
As Kano Pillars prepare for their upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on Gambo Muhammad and his technical team to see if they can inspire a turnaround. The club’s management has promised to provide the necessary support to the interim staff, but the road ahead remains challenging. With the NPFL season still in its early stages, there is time for Kano Pillars to climb the table, but they will need to address their on-field inconsistencies and rally their players to overcome the current adversity.
The club’s supporters, known for their passionate backing, have been urged to remain patient as the management works to stabilize the team. Kano Pillars’ rich legacy in Nigerian football demands a swift response to their current predicament, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this coaching shake-up can spark a revival. For now, the Sai Masu Gida faithful will be hoping that Gambo Muhammad and his team can deliver the results needed to lift Kano Pillars out of the relegation zone and restore pride to one of Nigeria’s most iconic football clubs.
