Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
In a significant move to revitalize Kano Pillars Football Club, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has appointed former Super Eagles captain and club legend, Ahmed Musa, as the new General Manager of the team. The announcement was made alongside the reconstitution of the club’s management board ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The development was contained in a statement released on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who noted that the decision followed wide consultations with football stakeholders across the state and nation.
According to the statement, the restructuring is part of a broader effort to reposition the iconic club for greater competitiveness, following the expiration of the previous board’s one-year tenure.
Under the outgoing leadership, Kano Pillars recorded a modest yet respectable 9th-place finish in the just-concluded NPFL season. In recognition of that progress, several board members have been retained, while fresh faces have been introduced to inject renewed energy and strategic direction.
The newly constituted 17-member board will be chaired by Ali Muhammad Umar (Nayara). Other members include: Salisu Mohammed Kosawa, Yusuf Danladi (Andy Cole), Idris Malikawa Garu, Nasiru Bello, Muhammad Ibrahim (Hassan West), Hamza Abdulkarim Audi Chara, Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo and Mustapha Usman Darma. The rest are Umar Dankura, Ahmad Musbahu, Gambo Salisu Shuaibu Kura, Rabiu Abdullahi, Aminu Ma’alesh and Safiyanu Abdu.
Meanwhile, Abubakar Isah Dandago Yamalash and Ismail Abba Tangalash will continue to serve as Media Directors I and II.
Ahmed Musa, widely respected for his achievements in international football and remembered for his heroics at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, returns to Kano Pillars in a new capacity. His appointment has been welcomed as a bold step toward merging football expertise with club management.
Governor Yusuf expressed optimism about the club’s future under the restructured leadership.
“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 governor’s statement read.
Musa is expected to bring global exposure, leadership acumen, and professionalism to his new role, reinforcing Kano Pillars’ status as one of Nigeria’s most storied football clubs.