Abdallah, others jostle for Pillars coaching job

Former Enyimba and Super Eagles assistant coach Usman Abdallah is among the frontrunners to take up the vacant role of Kano Pillars head coach as the former Nigerian champions intensify preparation for the 2024/25 season scheduled to begin on August 31, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Abdallah, who has worked as an assistant coach with Kano Pillars before, was among those that were interviewed on Wednesday as Pillars hope to replace Paul Offor.

Kano Pillars hired former Sporting Lagos gaffer Offor some weeks ago, but both parties parted ways mutually on Tuesday after a change in the club’s leadership.

Chairman of the club, Ali Umar, said Offor’s contract was terminated based on mutual consent, noting that the coach was hired by the former management that was dissolved by the Kano State Government a few days later.

In a swift move to hire a new coach, the new management interviewed Abdallah, former coach Ibrahim Musa, and their former player and assistant coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro, among others.

According to a statement from the club’s media team on Thursday, a new coach will soon be announced for Pillars.

“In addition to the physical interviews, the management board is meticulously scrutinising the CVs of other applicants who could not attend in person,” the statement read.

“These candidates, hailing from various countries, including France, submitted their credentials during the June application window. The board is committed to conducting a thorough review to ensure the selection of a highly qualified technical adviser who will bring expertise and vision to the club.

The management board will announce the new technical adviser soon, marking a significant step in preparing the team for a successful season ahead.”

Kano Pillars, who won three consecutive NPFL titles between 2012 and 2014, returned to the topflight last season, finishing 11th in the table.

Ahead of the 2024/25 season, they are currently in Enugu, where they will be taking part in the Coal City pre-season tournament.