Kano Pillars, historically the powerhouse of northern Nigerian football and one of the nation’s most popular clubs, find themselves struggling in the relegation zone, currently placed 18th on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table. This standing is baffling given the presence of club legends Rabiu Ali, 45, and former CSKA Moscow star Ahmed Musa, 33.
Ali remains influential this season, netting six goals and impressing with his set-piece delivery. Musa has also shown flashes of his former brilliance, primarily on the left wing. However, the rest of the squad is underperforming, raising questions about whether the reliance on veteran players is hindering the club’s progress.
Kano Pillars employ a 4-3-3 formation with Abuchi Destiny Okeke guarding the goalposts. The goalkeeper has had a solid season and is not the source of the team’s woes. Defensively, Fahad Usman is the preferred left-back, though Ibrahim Inuwa, originally a centre-back, has featured more frequently in this role. The centre-back pairing includes veterans Musa “Tayo” Abdullahi and Chinedu Ozor, alongside Muktar Muhammad, a recent signing from Elkanemi Warriors. Despite experience, this defensive line has struggled to deliver consistency. There are calls for fresh legs, with suggestions that Habibu Yakubu deserves a chance to bring pace and composure to the backline. The right-back options, Ali “Kwala” Abdullahi and Abdulmutalif Sanusi, have so far failed to stand out, highlighting the need for youthful, ball-playing defenders.
In midfield, the setup demands two defensive midfielders to shield the defence and allow Rabiu Ali to create. Muhammad Aminu is the best option, but his recent form has been uninspiring. Other midfielders such as Olakunle Akala, Suleiman Idris, Aminu Adam Sani, and Umar “Yakasai” Sani have yet to fulfil their potential. Currently, much of the play revolves around Ali, creating a heavy dependency on the veteran.
Upfront, Ahmed Musa operates on the left wing, with Jibrin Mustapha or Mustapha Umar covering the right. Mustapha Umar, also a backup for Musa, is noted for his enterprise but lacks decisive end-product. It is expected he will seek a move away this winter or after the season concludes. The main striker, Chiedozie Okorie, has managed just two goals in 18 games. Though physically strong and adept at holding up play, his goal return is below par for a frontman.
Top scorers this season reflect the team’s challenges: Rabiu Ali leads with six goals, followed by Jibrin Mustapha with three, while Musa, Okorie, and Umar have two each.
Kano Pillars must address defensive frailties and find new attacking impetus if they are to avoid the drop and return to their traditional stature.
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