Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has approved a major overhaul of the Kano Pillars Football Club’s management, appointing former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa as the new General Manager.
The restructuring comes ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign, as part of the administration’s broader agenda to revitalize the historic football club.
According to a statement released Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the reconstitution followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders across Nigeria’s football community. The shake-up comes after the expiration of the previous board’s one-year mandate.
Under the outgoing board, Kano Pillars secured a respectable 9th-place finish in the just-concluded NPFL season. Their overall performance prompted the state to retain most members while incorporating new faces to enhance the club’s drive for competitiveness.
The newly appointed 17-member management team will now be chaired by Ali Muhammad Umar (Nayara). Other members include Salisu Mohammed Kosawa, Yusuf Danladi (Andy Cole), Idris Malikawa Garu, Nasiru Bello, and Muhammad Ibrahim (Hassan West).
Also on the board are Hamza Abdulkarim Audi Chara, Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo, Mustapha Usman Darma, Umar Dankura, Ahmad Musbahu, Gambo Salisu Shuaibu Kura, Rabiu Abdullahi, Aminu Ma’alesh, and Safiyanu Abdu.
Abubakar Isah Dandago Yamalash returns as Media Director I, with Ismail Abba Tangalash retaining the Media Director II role.
A standout change in the leadership is the appointment of Ahmed Musa, a widely celebrated international footballer and former Kano Pillars star, as General Manager — a move expected to add star power and credibility to the club’s administrative structure.
“The inclusion of Ahmed Musa reflects our desire to blend administrative competence with football experience. We believe his presence will inspire players, attract investment, and rekindle supporters’ enthusiasm,” the statement read.
Governor Yusuf expressed optimism in the board’s new composition, stating that it is well-placed to build on recent progress and chart a more ambitious path for the club.
Kano Pillars, one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs, is anticipated to undergo significant changes both on and off the pitch under the restructured leadership.
