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Tag: Pillars

  • 20 players hit Pillars screening today

    20 players hit Pillars screening today

    All players invited for the Kano Pillars screening exercise will report to the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano today.

    The club’s media officer, Idris Malikawa disclosed this to SportingLife on Sunday.

    Malikawa said the club is poised to pick the best leg for the team ahead of next season’s campaign.

    The Pyramid City side will represent the country in the CAF Champions League in the coming season and Malikawa said the club is willing to surpass its past record in the African money-spinning showpiece.

    “The preparation for the new season has begun after the Super Cup game against Enyimba. We have informed all the invited players to report to camp on Monday for screening. We are expecting about 15 or 20 players,” Malikawa told SportingLife.

    “As you are aware, we have lots to compete for next season. As the league champions, we want to ensure that we do well in the league and also make a good impression in the CAF Champions League. We’ve played in the continent before but we want to win it this time. So, the best players will be selected from the screening. Some of them were spotted during the league last season and they are all aware of our interest in them.”

  • Pillars finally get League trophy

    Pillars finally get League trophy

    NigeriaN League champions Kano Pillars will on Thursday receive their trophy a month after they retained the championship.

    Pillars, who won the League back-to-back on October 20 despite losing their last game of the season 2-0 to Lobi Stars in Katsina-Ala clash, will be presented the trophy before a Charity Cup game against cup holders Enyimba at the Warri Township Stadium. The Charity Cup pitches the Federation Cup winners against the League Champions.

    “The League Management Company have confirmed to us that they will hand us the League trophy in Warri during the Charity Cup against Enyimba. We are ready for the Charity Cup. We need to prove to Nigerians that our last victory over Enyimba was not a fluke,” disclosed Pillars chairman Abba Yola.

    Abba admitted he was a bit concerned about the coaching situation at his club.

    “I am a little disturbed however that head coach Baba Ganaru is on a five-day leave, first assistant (Abdu) Makaba is at the NIS in Lagos with Kabiru Baleria taking charge of the team. But I have confidence that Baleria will deliver because we will head back to Kano from Warri with two trophies,” he said.

  • Pillars grab N159m Kappa kits deal

    Nigeria champions Kano Pillars are set to clinch a kit deal worth a million US dollars (about N159m) with Italian sportswear manufacturers Kappa, officials have announced.

    According to a statement made available to MTNFootball.com, Pillars officials led by chairman Abba Yola are in Dubai to wrap up an agreement with Kappa for the production of kits worth a million dollars. The deal is courtesy of Berackiah and Soccerlinks Internationals.

    Also involved in the transaction are G Sports represented by Peter Peterson and Murad and Kappa Sports by Kamran Ali, regional sales manager.

    Pillars have won the Nigeria league title in the past two seasons and will represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League. They are one of the most popular clubs in the country, attracting over 22,000 fans for their home games.

  • Pillars insist coach Ganaru still in charge

    Pillars insist coach Ganaru still in charge

    Nigeria league champions Kano Pillars have insisted coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru has not quit the club.

    In a press statement by club spokesman Idris Malikawa made available to MTNFootball.com, Pillars said they are yet to receive any resignation letter from Baba Ganaru.

    Instead, they said the championship-winning coach had agreed personal terms with them and was expected back from a week’s casual leave to start preparation for the new season.

    Coach Ganaru had revealed that he quit Pillars after he was pushed out by some officials of the club.

    He said he would sign a contract with another club, Nasarawa United, on Sunday after he agreed personal terms with them recently.

  • Pillars to LMC: Give us our trophy

    Pillars to LMC: Give us our trophy

    The management of Kano Pillars has called on the League Management Company (LMC) to arrange to present the 2012/2013 league trophy to it at a place and time convenient for both parties.

    The Pyramid City side won the league title at the end of the season but are yet to be presented the trophy due to logistic problems.

    The club made the appeal at the board meeting which was presided over by its chairman Alh. Abba Abdullahi Yola (Ciroman Yola) at the Pillars secretariat in Kano to review last season’s activities.

    The club’s media officer, Idris Malikawa Garu, noted in a statement made available to SportingLife that: “The board has noted the inability of the League Management Board to carry out the presentation of the trophy in Katsina Ala due to some logistic challenges. The board has decided to appeal and call on the LMC to without further delay arrange to present the trophy at a place and time convenient for both parties.”

    The board decided to allow the present technical crew headed by Baba Ganaru to continue tinkering the team for the 2013/2014 league season while also unanimously deciding to strengthen the team with new players to face the challenges of participation in the 2013/2014 League and the African Champions League.

    The recruitment and registration exercise of new players is to be concluded on or before the 25th.

    “In discussing the on-coming 2013/2014 league season the board has decided to continue with the same zeal that saw the board providing the leadership that eventually made the team to win the 2012/2013 league trophy back to back.”

    The statement added: “The board has noted the unparallel support of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Deputy Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano State Commissioner of Information, Youths, Sports and Culture Prof Umar Faruk Jibril and other state executive council members for their contributions and support to our success.

    “The board also noted the support of sports journalists for being part of the vanguard that ensured fair play and justice in the administration of football in this country.

    “The board of Kano Pillars will continue to work with our supporters and other stakeholders in ensuring that the team remains a good leader in the Nigeria Premier League.”

    On the CLUB OWNERS/LMC STAND-OFF: ” The meeting has noted the position of the club owners on the tenure of the League Management board and has unequivocally endorsed the position that was taken by its, chairman along with the remaining club owners.”

    ON PARTNERSHIP WITH GLO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION: “The board has noted its partnership with the mobile giant (GLO) and further enjoined the company to launch the Glo/Kano pillars recharge and sim packs before the commencement of the 2013/2014 League season.

    ON SPONSORSHIP DRIVE/SENSITIZATION SEMINAR: “The board has noted with satisfaction the efforts of its consultants, Berackiah International and Soccer link in getting sponsors within and outside the country for Kano Pillars. It has also directed the fans club executive and the state FA to organise a seminar for the fans on good behaviour before, during and after matches and invite reputable stakeholders to deliver papers.”

    The club has, however, congratulated the Golden Eaglets and Nigerians for winning the FIFA U-17 trophy for the fourth time.

  • Pillars consider Siasia, foreign coach

    Pillars consider Siasia, foreign coach

    Nigeria champions Kano Pillars have said they are considering hiring ex-Eagles coach Samson Siasia or a foreign coach to take over the team.

    This month, Pillars successfully retained the Nigerian league as they finished top of the 20-team table with 63 points from 38 matches.

    Pillars chairman Abba Yola told MTNFootball.com: “We have plans to beef up the technical bench of the team and even the playing staff. We are not sacking any of the coaches, but we want to bring more experience to the bench.

    “I have already opened discussions with my friends in Europe, Asia and UAE to get good hands because we want to make sure we make an impact in the CAF Champions League next year.”

    Yola added: ”We will also look within if we don’t find a good and free coach. Yes, Samson Siasia is a friend of the house and we are considering him, but that would depend on whether he is available or not because he has the experience and an addition like him to our bench would not be a bad one.”

    Incidentally, Siaisia handled Heartland in the group stage of the 2010 CAF Champions League. In 2009, Pillars reached the semi-finals of the competition and they were handled by Slovenian Ivo Shaj.

  • Ganaru yet to decide on Pillars future

    Ganaru yet to decide on Pillars future

    SuperSport.com can reveal that Kano Pillars gaffer, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, could be heading for a new club when the new season resumes.

    Ganaru recently entered the history books as the first manager to lead a team to back-to-back titles since the introduction of the Premier League, in Nigeria. The feat has endeared him to several clubs across the land.

    When asked about his plans for the new season, Ganaru replied: “I don’t know what will happen next season. Anything can happen.”

    Ganaru assisted Salisu Yusuf and Ladan Bosso before serving as the club’s coach in an acting capacity and later confirmed as coach of the aristocrats. Interestingly, he led the club to win the title in his first season.

    SuperSport.com learnt that several Premier League sides are monitoring the situation. Ganaru was linked to the vacant managerial position at Kwara United on the eve of the 2012/13 season, but he eventually remained with the Kano side.

    There are strong indications that Ganaru is ready to work in the South. Ganaru’s predecessors at Pillars, Yusuf and Bosso, moved to the South last term.

  • Yola tasks Pillars’ players to clinch Super Four trophy

    Yola tasks Pillars’ players to clinch Super Four trophy

    The Chairman of Kano Pillars management board, Abba Abdullahi Yola, has challenged the technical crew and the players that the Super Four tournament coming up in Kaduna should be a mission to be accomplished.

    Yola spoke at a lunch organised for the players and the technical crew of Kano Pillars who emerged as the league leader of the 2012 / 2013 Globacom Premier League .He charged them to brace up for the tournament, saying nothing short for you is to bring the trophy to Kano in order to make it double.

    “You have an herculean task to accomplish and what we expect from you is to bring the trophy to Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso”.

    He said: “As champions, you need to exhibit your outstanding skills so that you can overwhelm the three other teams that will compete with you in the Super Four League in Kano by making it double; the enthusiasm and the sacrifice that bind you together during the league should equally be extended to the Kaduna tournament.”

    Yola said winning the league back to back is a testimony that the bond of friendship that exists between the technical crew, the management and the players made them champions.

    However, he told the players that the lackadaisical attitude they exhibited in the last Super Four tournament should not repeat itself, adding that “we went on holiday and went to sleep, but this year’s tournament must be different because we want two trophies which we wish to present to Governor Kwankwaso.

    In his words of encouragement, the chairman also promised the players that after their two days break all their outstanding allowances would be settled.

    He said that the continental battle is another task that must be done.

    The Kano Pillars Technical Manager, Babaganaru thanked the sports loving governor for his moral and financial support during the league, adding that with the support and cooperation also from the board, the team will not relax in its mission to win the cup.

  • Lobi warns Pillars: It is do or die

    Lobi warns Pillars: It is do or die

    From Tunde Liadi,Owerri  Lobi Stars players have warned the league reigning champions, Kano Pillars to be ready for war ahead of their Glo Premier League Matchday 38 tie today at the Chief Emmanuel Atongo Stadium in Katsina Ala.

    The Makurdi Bombers are condemned to win the tie with their 49 points garnered from 37 matches and placed 18th on the log.

    They are up against Pillars who only need a point to claim a third premier league shield to the ones won in 2008 and 2012.

    But Lobi players have told SportingLife that they are convinced they would get the needed maximum points to extend their stay in the premier league beyond this season.

    In an interview with SportingLife, Lobi Stars’ leading marksman and Super Eagles’ player, Barnabas Imenger Jnr, was not short of words to desribe the mood in the Lobi camp ahead of the crunch tie with Pillars.

    “To say the least it is a do or die affair. We have an unfinished scores to settle from the first leg in Kano which ended 1-1. We shall deploy our full arsenal to ensure we crush them and guarantee our premier league safety,” Imenger Jnr stated.

  • Pillars, Bayelsa United, El-Kanemi are favourites •Glo Premier League ends in photo finish

    Pillars, Bayelsa United, El-Kanemi are favourites •Glo Premier League ends in photo finish

    After 370 games in 37 match days in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with 750 goals scored averaging two goals per game, the title race is now down to just three teams – champions Kano Pillars, Bayelsa United and El-Kanemi Warriors.

    When the season began, Enyimba,Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers started like title contenders but along the line, Enyimba experienced tremendous resurgence but the quest of the Aba club for a record seventh title only lasted for 37 match days.

    Today, one of Kano Pillars, Bayelsa United and El-Kanemi Warriors will be crowned champions of Nigeria for the 2012/13 season. But Pillars look more likely to retain the title since they already have 63 points and are also playing away against Lobi like the two other contenders.

     

    Lobi Stars vs Kano Pillars (Emmanuel Atongo Stadium)

    Kano Pillars have not taken a point in their last nine away games. The last time the champions earned a point on the road was on June 8 at Dolphins.

    Lobi will take no chances in seeing off Pillars in this as they are in a race for survival. In the last two seasons, the Kano club have lost by identical scorelines of 0-1 in this corresponding fixture.

    Prediction: 2-0

     

    Enugu Rangers vs El-Kanemi Warriors (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium)

    El-Kanemi remain the surprise team of the season irrespective of what followers of the league say about their home form. They’ve also put up a decent run on the road too. But this is where the fairy tale run ends for the Warriors. El-Kanemi do not have a good record in Enugu as they’ve lost in their last three previous without scoring a goal. Though Rangers are playing for pride, I don’t think they’ll show El-Kanemi any favour.

    Prediction: 2-0

    Gombe United vs Bayelsa United (Pantami Stadium)

    Bayelsa United go into this game needing an outright win to stand any chance of edging Kano Pillars for the title. But the town of Gombe has not been a fruitful centre for the Restoration Boys who have lost in all four previous trips.The Bayelsa club are always capable of pulling off surprises but this time that may not happen as they will have to contend with the impressive Gombe United trio of Babangida Ibrahim, Habibu Inusa and Sani Mohammed.

    Prediction: 2-0

     

    Enyimba vs Sharks (Enyimba Stadium; live on SS9)

    Six-time champions Enyimba will be disappointed that they blew their chance of winning the double this season after their shambolic display in Akure against Sunshine Stars in mid-week. But they’ve got the chance to finish in second place and win a CAF Champions League spot and at the same time protect their run of not conceding at home this season.

    Gbenga Ogunbote has proven that he is a miracle worker after securing top flight football for Sharks against all odds. But can the Blue Angels breach the steely back line of Enyimba in Aba on the final day? I would say ‘NO.’

    Prediction: 1-0

     

    Nasarawa United vs Heartland (Lafia Township Stadium)

    Heartland will again keep their top flight status for more than three decades as they head to Lafia to face the Solid Miners who are in dire need of the full points to escape the drop to the lower division.

    Nasarawa United last defeated Heartland in a league match in February 2008 and that same year lost three-nil to the Owerri club in this corresponding fixture. But that may not count this time as League’s top scorer Victor Namo, Habu Mohammed, Solomon Babatunde, Malachy Ilo and company are expected to cause Heartland problems on the day.

    Prediction: 3-0

     

    Nembe City vs Sunshine Stars (Samson Siasia Stadium)

    Nembe City have a huge task to turn around their very inferior goal difference to escape the drop in spite of playing hosts to Sunshine Stars today. After their 1-6 drubbing in the hands of ABS in mid-week, Nembe City will surely return to winning ways against Sunshine Stars who have managed to take just three points on the road this season.

    But its doubtful if the win for City can save them from the fall though and that will depend on the outcome of other results involving eight other clubs in the battle for survival.

    Prediction: 2-0

     

    Warri Wolves vs ABS (Warri City Stadium)

    The Seasiders have lost their last three league games to 3SC, Akwa United and Bayelsa United and it’s possible for them to end the season with four straight losses.ABS players know what is at stake in this game as a loss could signal an end to their time in the NPFL.

    ABS have not beaten Wolves since a 1-0 win in January 2011. Kabiru Dogo’s men will up their game to avoid losing twice to Wolves this season after a two-nil loss in the reverse fixture.

    Prediction: 0-1

     

    Kaduna United vs 3SC (Kaduna United)

    What is left of 3SC’s season is a mathematical chance of survival if Kwara United, Wikki Tourists, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars and Nembe City, all on 49 points, fail to win or draw and they defeat Kaduna United.

    Realistically 3SC’s season looks over especially with Kaduna United sitting in 14th spot and just a point above the drop zone.The Crocodiles would do everything to avoid dropping points in this game as keeping their top flight place will be paramount to them. Sadly 3SC will be relegated.

    Prediction: 3-1

     

    Kwara United vs Akwa United (Confluence Stadium)

    It might sound strange but this game could be the pick of the match day as both teams battle it out in this dogfight at the foot of Mount Patti in Lokoja. The losers of this clash could find themselves relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL).

    It’s amazing that Kwara United find themselves battling for survival after putting up eye-catching outings especially in the first round of this season.This game would quite a contest but Kwara United will edge Akwa United for the full points.

    Prediction: 2-1

     

    Dolphins vs Wikki Tourists (Liberation Stadium)

    As poor as Dolphins have been this season it won’t be a surprise if they win this encounter.

    Wikki are confirmed for the drop though they hold a three-game unbeaten run going to this clash.

    PREDICTION: 1-0