Kano Pillars FC

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a landmark move set to reshape the future of Nigerian club football, Kano Pillars FC has announced a major sponsorship agreement with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa. The partnership positions RFI Hausa as the club’s main sponsor for the upcoming season, marking a significant step in the club’s quest for revival and excellence.

The deal, unveiled by new General Manager and Nigerian football icon Ahmed Musa, includes full kit sponsorship for all Kano Pillars teams — from the senior side to junior categories such as U19, U15, and U13. RFI Hausa’s logo will feature prominently on the team’s jerseys and across all official branding.

Beyond financial support, RFI Hausa will equip the club with modern media tools, offer training for the club’s media department in professional video production, and develop a comprehensive communications strategy. The partnership also extends to media collaborations and the publication of content on RFI Hausa’s platforms.

“This marks a new dawn for Kano Pillars FC,” said Ahmed Musa. “We are committed to transparency, progress, and excellence. Brighter days filled with success and glory lie ahead for Sai Masu Gida.”

Joe Penney, Director of France Médias Monde Nigeria, expressed RFI Hausa’s enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with such a beloved club. We believe in the team’s vision and will help push the club forward as much as possible.”

As Kano Pillars gears up for the new season, the club’s leadership and fan base hope that this partnership will not only bring success on the pitch but also elevate the club’s media presence and community impact.

By Jamilu Uba Adamu,Kano

The 2024 Nigeria National League’s kickoff has sent waves of excitement throughout the country, and Kano State is no exception. The football match between Barau Football Club and Plateau State’s Mighty Jets at the newly refurbished Danbatta Stadium marked a significant milestone in Kano’s football history. This development is a shining example of Senator Barau Jibrin’s commitment to sports development in the Kano North Senatorial district.

As a sports enthusiast, I find it heartwarming to witness the remarkable impact of Senator Barau Jibrin’s dedication to sports development in Kano State. The senator representing Kano North has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the welfare and development of his constituents, with a particular focus on sports.

The refurbishment of the Danbatta Stadium is a shining testament to Senator Jibrin’s visionary leadership. This world-class facility promotes sports and contributes significantly to the community’s economic growth and social cohesion. The stadium has the potential to unite not only people across Kano North but the entire Kano State, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

Senator Jibrin’s recognition of the importance of sports development in rural areas is equally commendable. He understands that structured sporting events can profoundly impact these communities, providing a platform for young talents to emerge and promoting job creation, socialization, unification, and economic emancipation. This is a critical aspect of his leadership, as it acknowledges the often-overlooked potential of rural areas to contribute to the state’s sports development.

As Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin’s commitment to sports development is a shining example for other politicians to follow. His efforts have marked a significant milestone in Kano’s football history, 

In conclusion, Senator Barau Jibrin’s unwavering commitment to sports development in Kano State is a beacon of hope for the future of sports in Kano. His visionary leadership and dedication to the welfare of his constituents make him an exemplary politician. 

Adamu, a Kano-based freelance sports writer, can be reached via jameelubaadamu@yahoo.com.

By Jamilu Uba Adamu

It’s impossible to start this column without some reflection, especially with my interest in Kano football history.

After holding its AGM meeting last week, the Kano State Football Association (KSFA) organised an award night to honour the achievement of some truly deserving individuals. 

For some reason, I have not been able to attend the event, but from the videos and the pictures I saw, the award night was a resounding success and full of important guests. 

The venue was beautifully decorated, and a giant screen was mounted on the stage with a background picture of each recipient of the award playing, just like we usually see at international events. 

It was top-notch, from the meeting to the plaque award presentation to the awardees. The awards themselves were a fitting tribute to the outstanding contributions of the honorees. 

It was a night to remember, and the Kano State Football Association, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Sharu Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, has set a high standard. It deserves a standing ovation for organising an outstanding event. The efforts have made a significant impact.

Aside from all that, after going through the list of the award categories that include NLO Kano State Football Association Best Player, NPFL Best Player and SWAN Kano Chapter Award, a reflection that comes to my mind, especially considering my interest in the history aspect of sports, I observed that there is no inclusion of posthumous award category among the list. 

This means that as laudable as the award event is, there is no recognition for a posthumous award to those who deserved to be honoured for planting the seeds of the game of football in Kano long ago. It continues growing as we have it today. 

Those individuals are worth mentioning for special recognition for their contributions to nurturing the game and setting the pace we are following today. 

On such award occasions, the KSFA ought to create a posthumous award category for people like the Late Muhammadu Ɗanwawu Fagge, the man who led the legendary Kano XI to win the 1953 Challenge Cup and the sponsor of the defunct Ɗanwawu cup.

Pioneer Kano Pillars FC Chairman late Alh Isiyaku Muhammad (whom his blossom friend, Alh. Isiyaku Umar Tofa, on so many occasions, used to say it was him that convinced him to be sponsoring the Tofa Cup back then). 

Also, former Kano Pillars FC Chairman’s Late Alhaji Hassan Na-Abba, late ACP Sabo Abdullahi, Late Hon. Ɗanlami Hamza, Late Sani Muhammed Usman, and late Alh Kabiru Waya or even the famous legendary Kano XI squad, that consists of the Late Sidi Coach, Maxwell, and Okoh brothers, that won the first Kano state football trophy in far away Lagos in 1953, the list goes on.

Each of those mentioned above-listed individuals deserves to be posthumously awarded. I am sure honouring them this way can be an opportunity to celebrate a legacy, inspire others, and preserve history because omitting posthumous recognition can lead to forgotten legacies and leave a legacy uncelebrated.

With this, I urge the Kano State Football Association to, in the future event, seriously consider bestowing posthumous awards to these deserving historical individuals who put not only   Kano State but the whole of Northern Nigeria on a football map. 

Let me close by extending my wholehearted congratulations to Kano State Football Association and the awardees.

Jamilu Uba Adamu is a freelance sports writer and can be reached via jameelubaadamu@yahoo.com.

By Muhammad Sodangi

As a prominent professional football club, Kano Pillars rose through the landscape of Nigerian football, showcasing and elegantly displaying a blend of talent, resilience, and passion for the game.

The club’s commitment to excellence and community support have been instrumental in its success. It is also well known for its passionate fan base, iconic blue and white colours, and stylistically competitive performance on the field.

Kano Pillars have won many domestic trophies, multiple NPF titles, and Federal Cup victories. Amazingly, they have represented Nigeria in several continental competitions, such as the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

With a solid foundation, Kano Pillars Football Club is a shining example of determination, talent, and community spirit in Nigerian football.

Through their remarkable journey, the Kano pillars have solidified their place as a highly revered and respected institution in Nigerian football, leaving behind a lasting imprint on the hearts of fans and the history books of the sport.

However, the recent clash between Enyimba and Kano pillars shook the Nigerian football scene as the former claimed a commanding 5-0 victory over the latter.

The game was a top-notch encounter that magnetised and captivated fans and pundits from all angles. Enyimba, known for their attacking prowess and tactical acumen, played a master class against Pillars, securing an impressive 5-0 victory.

Conversely, Kano pillars faced enormous challenges throughout the match, struggling to contain Enyimba’s attacking onslaught and assert their presence on the field. In fact, the decline of Kano pillars in recent seasons could be attributed to various factors, including the lack of motivation among players, coaching staff, and management, as well as poor government funding.

These bedevilling obstacles created a nasty environment that hindered the players’ ability to perform at their best.

These international challenges could be addressed by prioritising motivation, empowerment, and support for players and staff. Thus, these could pave the way for success, glory and growth within the prestigious Kano pillars.

Sodangi writes from Salaha Africa, a media company based in Kano, Nigeria.