Kano Pillars' players, owner, stadium, coach, trophies, world rankings

Kano Pillars' players, owner, stadium, coach, trophies, world rankings

Helix Odhiambo
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:55 PM

Not many teams in the world have their names in the Guinness World Records. However, Kano Pillars' players and fans are proud of their team's presence in the records books. The Nigerian club boasts of the longest unbeaten run at home and a couple of trophies to showcase. This article looks at the team's squad, management, achievements and much more.

Kano Pillars
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Where is Kano Pillars FC located? The club is based in Kano, northern Nigeria. Kano is one of the oldest cities in West Africa, popular for its traditional arts and crafts. Kano Pillars is the most popular football team in the region, playing in the country's top division, the Nigeria Professional Football League. So, who is Kano Pillars' owner? And what else is there to learn about this team?

Kano Pillars FC profile

  • Full name: Kano Pillars football club
  • Nickname: Sai Masu Gida
  • Founded: 1990
  • Founded by: Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima
  • Based in: Kano, Northern Nigeria
  • Chairman: Alhaji Surajo Yahaya Jambul
  • Kano Pillars coach: Salisu Yusuf
  • League: Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)
  • Arena/Stadium: Sani Abacha Stadium
  • Stadium capacity: 16,000 people
  • Twitter: @pillarsfc
  • Kano Pillars FC Instagram: @kanopillarsfc

Kano Pillars' history

The team was founded in 1990 by the former chairman of the Nigerian Football Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima. Its nickname is Sai Masu Gida, which means 'the owners of the house in Hausa.' The club is considered among the most popular teams in Nigeria.

Sai Masu Gida has featured in several tournaments on both the domestic and international fronts. However, their results have not been convincing on continental competitions. The club also has a passionate fanbase that tremendously lifts the players' spirits.

Kano Pillars FC's achievements

Kano Pillars FC trophies
Omar Bakheet (right) of Al-Hilal from Sudan vies with Sai Masu Gida's Bala Muhammed during their African Champions League football match in Khartoum on 14 August 2009. Photo: Ashraf Shazly
Source: Getty Images

The Nigerian club has won the NPFL twice and finished as runners-up on two occasions. The Kano-based club has also bagged the national second division title once. The Sai Masu Gida has played the CAF Champions League twice.

In 2009, they reached the semi-finals, while in 2011, they could not go past the first round. The team also won the 2019 Aiteo Cup after defeating Niger Tornadoes 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time.

  • Aiteo Cup – 2019
  • Nigeria Professional Football League – 2008, 2012
  • National Second Division – 1995

Kano Pillars also entered the Guinness Book of Records after posting the most extensive home unbeaten streak by a Nigerian Premier League team. The club played 202 games at their home ground, the Sani Abacha Stadium, between 2003 and 2015 without losing. The record ended following a 2-1 defeat to Nasarawa United. No team in the country has come close to breaking the fantastic statistics.

History of Kano Pillars FC's stadium

The Sani Abacha Stadium was built in 1998 and named after the former military head of state, General Sani Abacha. It has a capacity of 16,000 people and has hosted several local and international matches. The stadium is also used for athletics events.

Kano Pillars FC's net worth
Sai Masu Gida players train ahead of their NPFL league match against Katsina United on 23 May 2021. Photo: @pillarsfc
Source: Twitter

Kano Pillars FC's squad

The club's 2021/22 season squad consists of 32 players, including 11 recruits. Kano Pillars' captain Rabiu Ali is among the veteran players in the team. The club also promoted five players from their junior squad.

Kano Pillars new signings (September 2021)

Defenders

  • Muhsin Attahiru
  • Emeka Onyema
  • Madaki Alkali Dauda
  • Isma'il Muhammad Nasir

Midfielders

  • Gabriel Jeremiah
  • Mark Daniel
  • Taro Oluwasewun
  • Usman Aminu Maidubji
  • Wisdom Ikechi

Forwards

  • Saidu Salisu
  • Yusha'u Garba
  • Ugochukwu Nwachukwu
  • Isah Muhammad Usman

Retained players

Goalkeepers

  • Idris Ibrahim
  • Joshua Enaholo

Defenders

  • Abdullahi Ali
  • Mustapha Jibrin
  • Fahad Usman
  • Abdullahi Musa
  • Munkaila Musa

Midfielders

  • Yusuf Bala Maigoro
  • Godwin Egbon Monday
  • Rabiu Ali
  • Bright Silas

Forwards

  • Ifeanyi Kelvin Eze
  • Okon Aniemeke
  • David Ebuka Odenigbo
  • Musa Ahmad
  • Ezekiel Tamara Ebifha
  • Kokoette Udoh Ibiok
  • Umar Hassan

Promoted Junior Kano Pillars' players

  • Sulaiman Idris Ibrahim
  • Haruna Musa
  • Abdullahi Salisu Ahmed
  • Shamsuddeen Sale Abdullah
  • Shehu Musa Muhammad

Kano Pillars' legends

Who is the owner of Kano Pillars Football Club?
Former Sai Masu Gida's forward Ahmed Musa (left) with defender Abdullahi Musa during the club's training session in April 2021. Photo: @indulge_tweets
Source: Twitter

Who is the best player in Kano Pillars? Nigerian Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, is one of the prominent figures to have played for Sai Masu Gida. Musa first played for the team in 2009. He returned in April 2018 on a short-term deal. Other club legends include Sani Kaita, Ahmed Garba 'Yaro Yaro' and Solomon Okpako.

Kano Pillars' coach

In December 2021, the club appointed former Rangers International head coach Salisu Yusuf as their tactician. The Zaria-born tactician took charge of the team ahead of the 2021/2022 NPFL season. The club will be counting on his experience to win trophies.

Sponsorship deals

Kano Pillars' management
Kano Pillars signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with Ammasco International Ltd ahead of the 2021/2022 NPFL season. Photo: @NPFL_News
Source: Twitter

The 2008 NPFL champions have sealed lucrative deals with top firms in their history. In April 2021, Kano Pillar's management penned down an MoU with Kano State-based private firm Aspira Nigeria for the 2020/2021 season. The Sai Masu Gida side also signed a jersey sponsorship deal with AMMASCO Oil worth N14 million, about $33,640.

Kano Pillars FC's world ranking

According to Football Database, Sai Masu Gida ranks 604th globally and 47th in Africa. In Nigeria, the club ranks 5th.

One of the main objectives of Kano Pillars' players and management this season is to lift the 2021/22 NPFL title. The team will also be hoping to grab a couple of domestic trophies to impress its loyal fans and attract more sponsors.

READ ALSO: Dakkada F.C's Football Club: players, owner, stadium, coach, trophies, world rankings

Sportsbrief.com also featured Dakkada F.C's football club players, owner, stadium and achievements. The Dakkada, like the Kano Pillars, also plays in Nigeria's top division.

The team finished 11th in the 2020/21 season and hoping to do better in the 2021/22 campaign. Read more about Dakkada F.C's profile, history and location here!

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.