Ahmed Musa Takes Over as General Manager of Kano Pillars FC

Ahmed Musa Takes Over as General Manager of Kano Pillars FC as Governor Yusuf Reconstitutes Club Board

Kano State has officially ushered in a new era for one of Nigeria’s most historic football clubs. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced the appointment of Nigerian football icon, Ahmed Musa, as the new General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club. This groundbreaking development highlights the governor’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing sports in Kano State and restoring the football club’s legacy as a dominant force in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).

The appointment came alongside the announcement of a newly restructured management board for Kano Pillars FC. This move followed a series of comprehensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, coaches, former players, and club executives, all aimed at strengthening the club’s strategic direction ahead of the new NPFL season.

Governor Yusuf made this known through his official spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a detailed statement released on Friday. The message not only confirmed Musa’s appointment but also outlined the complete list of the newly approved board members who will work together to chart a new path for the iconic football team.

Why Appoint Ahmed Musa?

Appointing Ahmed Musa as General Manager is not just symbolic—it’s strategic. Musa brings extensive football experience at the highest level. From captaining the Nigerian national team (Super Eagles), to playing in prestigious leagues across Europe and Asia, Musa’s understanding of both local and international football environments is unmatched.

He previously featured for CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, Al Nassr, and Fatih Karagümrük, among other clubs. But beyond his international fame, Musa has always maintained strong ties with Kano Pillars. His return to the club during the 2020/2021 NPFL season reignited fan interest and boosted team morale.

Now, in a leadership role, Musa is set to apply his wealth of experience, football intelligence, and leadership skills off the pitch. He aims to uplift the club’s structure, improve team logistics, attract sponsorships, and nurture young talents across the state.

“This is not just a ceremonial role,” one senior sports official noted. “Ahmed Musa understands football at every level. His passion for Kano Pillars is genuine, and we believe he has what it takes to transform this club into a league contender once again.”

Kano Pillars’ Board Gets a New Look

In addition to Musa’s appointment, the state government approved a new management board for the club. The decision followed the expiration of the one-year tenure of the outgoing board, which led Kano Pillars to a respectable 9th-place finish in the previous NPFL season.

After reviewing the board’s performance and engaging stakeholders in detailed discussions, the government chose to reappoint most members of the outgoing board. However, it introduced key structural adjustments aimed at performance improvement and strategic planning.

Here is the full list of newly appointed Kano Pillars board members:

• Ali Muhammad Umar (Nayara) – Chairman

• Salisu Mohammed Kosawa – Member

• Yusuf Danladi Andy Cole – Member

• Idris Malikawa Garu – Member

• Nasiru Bello – Member

• Muhammad Ibrahim (Hassan West) – Member

• Abdulkarim Audi Chara – Member

• Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo – Member

• Mustapha Usman Darma – Member

• Umar Dankura – Member

• Ahmad Musbahu – Member

• Gambo Salisu Shuaibu Kura – Member

• Rabiu Abdullahi – Member

• Aminu Ma’alesh – Member

• Safiyanu Abdu – Member

• Abubakar Isah Dandago Yamalash – Media Director I

• Ismail Abba Tangalash – Media Director II

The administration gave assurance that this board will collaborate closely with Ahmed Musa to ensure smooth operations, streamlined administration, and consistent team growth both on and off the pitch.

What This Means for Kano Pillars FC and Fans

Kano Pillars FC, also known as Sai Masu Gida, holds a unique place in Nigerian football history. As one of the most successful and widely followed clubs in the country, expectations always remain high. The club has won multiple NPFL titles and produced a number of top Nigerian players.

In recent years, however, inconsistent performances, administrative challenges, and limited financial support have affected the team’s ability to compete with top-tier rivals like Enyimba, Rangers, and Remo Stars. The arrival of Ahmed Musa in an executive role changes the game.

With his international connections, visibility, and credibility, Musa is expected to attract better sponsorships, improve infrastructure, and introduce more professional standards across all club operations. He also understands the importance of reconnecting the team with its massive fan base in Kano and across Nigeria.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that this reconstitution marks the beginning of a new vision for sports development in the state. “We want to position Kano as the football capital of Nigeria once again. This appointment is a clear message that we are serious about results,” he stated.

The Road Ahead: NPFL 2025 Season

With the new season approaching, Kano Pillars FC now faces the challenge of proving its readiness on the field. Preseason preparations, player recruitment, coaching strategies, and community engagement will form key pillars of the club’s success under Musa’s leadership.

Supporters and analysts have started setting high expectations. Some hope the club can challenge for a top-four finish or even contend for the NPFL title within the next two seasons. Others believe Musa’s leadership will spark internal reforms that could benefit grassroots football development in Kano State.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Kano Football

Ahmed Musa’s appointment as General Manager of Kano Pillars FC signals more than a managerial change. It marks the start of a bold, purposeful transformation rooted in experience, passion, and strategic vision. Backed by a reenergized management board and strong support from the Kano State Government, Musa now holds the key to restoring Kano Pillars’ glory days.

If executed properly, this new structure could become a model for other Nigerian clubs seeking to bridge the gap between local talent and global standards.