Kano Pillars FC’s supremo, Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, popularly known as Ali Na Yara Mai Samba Kurna, has praised the exceptional performance of the players, technical crew, and backroom staff for their impressive showing in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2024/2025 season.
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Speaking to the Media & Communications Directorate of the club on Monday in Kano, Ali Na Yara expressed his satisfaction with the team’s resilience and determination, which have been evident across the 35 matches played so far. He encouraged the players and technical crew to maintain their momentum and finish the season strongly.
The Sai Masu Gida further showcased their strength on Friday with a commanding 2-0 victory over Rivers United at the Sani Abacha Stadium. The victory was punctuated by goals from club legends Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ali, much to the delight of the passionate fans who filled the stadium to cheer their team.
Pillars have also impressed away from home this season, with remarkable victories over Rangers International and Bendel Insurance, along with valuable points against Lobi Stars and Bayelsa United. These performances underscore the club’s growing resilience and determination to compete at the highest level.
After the conclusion of Round 35 fixtures, the four-time Nigerian champions have amassed 50 points, improving on their 47-point tally from the 2023/2024 campaign, despite playing three fewer games this season. Ali Na Yara took pride in this achievement, noting the team’s progress despite significant challenges earlier in the season.
“First of all, I have to start by commending the performance of my players, the technical crew, the backroom staff, and the amazing fans for ensuring that we are in a safer position this season,” said Ali Na Yara.
He reflected on the challenges faced when he took over leadership just three weeks before the start of the league, at a time when the club had no Technical Adviser and had lost 13 regular players. Despite these setbacks, a new Technical Adviser was appointed within two weeks, and the team quickly regained its momentum. At one point, they were even among the title contenders, until a minor setback during Ramadan slowed their progress.
Surpassing last season’s points tally was a major achievement for the club, and Ali Na Yara was quick to credit the players, technical staff, board, backroom staff, and passionate fans for making it possible.
“This is a wonderful achievement that I cherish deeply, especially considering the challenges we faced,” he added. “Without the collective efforts of everyone, this success would not have been possible.”
He also expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Kano State Government, led by His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf. Ali Na Yara acknowledged the contributions of the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, whose unwavering support has played a crucial role in the club’s progress.
“I must say, I am the luckiest chairman in the history of Kano Pillars. The love and support from the governor and the commissioner have been overwhelming, and without them, our story could have been very different,” he remarked.
Looking ahead to the 2025/2026 season, Ali Na Yara assured fans that the club would strengthen its squad with quality signings and set its sights on winning major titles, including the Nigeria Premier Football League and the President Federation Cup.
“The honeymoon is over now. We have gained valuable experience, and with the right players coming in, we are determined to challenge for the league title and the Federation Cup. Together with the technical crew and the technical committee, we will identify and bring in the right talents to strengthen the areas we feel are lacking. I can promise the fans that next season will be even better,” he vowed.
The remaining fixtures for Kano Pillars in the current campaign include an away clash against northern rivals Katsina United, a home tie against Shooting Stars of Ibadan, and an away fixture against Niger Tornadoes. The team is determined to finish strong and lay the foundation for even greater success in the future.
