Kano Pillars have named Muhammad Babaganaru as their new acting technical adviser following the suspension of head coach Evans Ogenyi and his assistant, Ahmed Garba Yaro, after a poor run of results in the ongoing 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
Kano Pillars confirmed Babaganaru’s return in a statement on Tuesday, saying he would take over immediately as the team looks to regain its rhythm after a shaky start.
“The management of Kano Pillars FC wishes to announce the appointment of Muhammad Babaganaru as the acting technical adviser of the club. He will resume with immediate effect. We wish Coach Babaganaru success in his new role as he leads the Sai Masu Gida in upcoming fixtures,” the statement read.
This marks a return to familiar territory for Babaganaru. The experienced tactician previously guided Pillars to back-to-back league titles in 2011/12 and 2012/13, building one of the most feared teams in the country at the time. His comeback is seen as a move to restore stability and confidence to a squad that has looked out of sorts since the start of the season.
Pillars’ struggles have been glaring, with just two wins, two draws, and four defeats from eight matches. They currently sit 18th on the league table. Their latest setback came in a 2-1 loss to city rivals Barau FC in a behind-closed-doors derby at the Sani Abacha Stadium, a result that reportedly sealed Ogenyi’s fate.
Before Babaganaru’s appointment, the club’s management had placed assistant coach Gambo Muhammad in temporary charge, assisted by goalkeeping coach Suleiman Shuaibu and youth coach Garzali Muhammad. However, the return of the veteran coach now signals a fresh attempt to revive the team’s fortunes.
It has not been an easy few weeks for the four-time NPFL champions. Earlier this month, the league’s governing body fined the club ₦9.5 million, docked three points, and ordered them to move their home games to Katsina after crowd trouble marred their match against Shooting Stars.
With just eight points from eight matches, Babaganaru’s first task will be to restore belief and urgency in the dressing room. Pillars will host Niger Tornadoes in Katsina before travelling to Ikenne to face Remo Stars.
