By Muzammil Dalha Yola
Kano Pillars FC supremo, Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, popularly known as Ali Na Yara Mai Samba Kurna, has praised the performance of the players, technical crew, and backroom staff for their impressive showing in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2024/2025 season.
Speaking with the Media & Communications Directorate of the club on Monday in Kano, Ali Na Yara expressed his satisfaction with the resilience and determination exhibited by the team across the 35 matches played so far. He urged the players and technical crew to maintain their momentum and finish the season strongly.
The Sai Masu Gida showcased their strength once again on Friday, delivering a commanding 2-0 victory over Rivers United at the Sani Abacha Stadium, with club legends Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ali finding the back of the net to the delight of their passionate fans.
The Pyramid City giants have also distinguished themselves on the road this season, recording remarkable away victories against Rangers International and Bendel Insurance, while picking up valuable points against Lobi Stars and Bayelsa United, an achievement that underscores their growing resilience.
Following the conclusion of the Round 35 fixtures, the four-time Nigerian champions have amassed a total of 50 points, an improvement on their 2023/2024 campaign where they managed 47 points from 38 matches. Remarkably, Pillars have achieved this feat despite playing three games fewer this 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.
"We were given the mantle of leading this great club just three weeks before the start of the league, at a time when the club was without a Technical Adviser and had lost about 13 regular players. Within two weeks, we appointed a new Technical Adviser and set up a team that hit the ground running. At a point, we were even among the title contenders before the minor setbacks during Ramadan slowed us down."
Reflecting on surpassing last season’s points tally, the club administrator described it as a proud achievement for himself, the board, and the entire Kano Pillars family.
"It’s a wonderful achievement that I cherish deeply, especially considering the challenges we faced. Credit must go to everyone, the players, the technical team, the board, the backroom staff, and of course, the incredible fans. Without their collective efforts, this success would not have been possible," he added.
Ali Na Yara also took time to appreciate the unwavering support of the Kano State Government, led by His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
"I want to sincerely thank our governor for his unparalleled support since this board came into office. His passion for sports and commitment to Kano Pillars has been a major driving force behind our success. I also acknowledge the tremendous backing from the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, who has shown great love for this club," he said.
"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."
Looking ahead to the 2025/2026 season, Ali Na Yara assured fans that the club will bolster the squad with quality signings and set their 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.
Kano Pillars FC’s remaining fixtures in the current campaign include an away clash against northern rivals Katsina United this weekend, a home tie against Shooting Stars of Ibadan next weekend, before rounding off the season with an away fixture against Niger Tornadoes.
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