Ahmed Musa Appointed General Manager Of Kano Pillars In Bold Move For NPFL Club.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has named former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa as the new General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, marking a significant step in the club’s ambition to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The appointment, announced on Friday, 4 July 2025, by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, forms part of a broader initiative to restructure the club’s management board and enhance its performance in the upcoming 2025/2026 season.
Musa, a 32-year-old forward and Nigeria’s most-capped player, brings a wealth of experience to the role, both as a player and a leader. Having rejoined Kano Pillars last year after a distinguished career that included stints in the Netherlands, Russia, England, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, Musa proved his on-field value by scoring 10 goals in 23 matches during the 2024/2025 NPFL season. His appointment as General Manager is a historic moment, as he becomes the first serving Super Eagles player to take on such an administrative role at an NPFL club while still active as a player.
The reconstituted 17-member management board, chaired by Ali Muhammad Umar (Nayara), includes seasoned figures such as Salisu Mohammed Kosawa, Yusuf Danladi, Idris Malikawa Garu, and others, with Musa’s appointment seen as a strategic move to blend footballing expertise with administrative prowess. Governor Yusuf expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating that Musa’s presence would “inspire players, attract investment, and rekindle supporters’ enthusiasm.” The governor highlighted the club’s aim to build on past successes and return to the top tier of Nigerian football.
Kano Pillars, four-time NPFL champions, have not lifted the league title since 2014, finishing ninth in the previous season. Musa, a local hero who began his professional career with the club in 2009, is expected to leverage his global experience to steer the team towards greater competitiveness. His leadership is seen as a potential catalyst for transforming the club’s fortunes, both on and off the pitch. Former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Dele Abubakar praised the appointment, noting that Musa’s experience in top leagues across Europe and Asia would open doors for other ex-internationals transitioning into management roles.
However, Musa’s new role may impact his aspirations with the Super Eagles, particularly as he aims to become the first Nigerian to win two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles at the upcoming tournament in December. Despite his exclusion from the final 23-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Musa’s recent performances and recall for the Unity Cup in London demonstrate his enduring influence in Nigerian football. Balancing his playing career with administrative duties will be a unique challenge, but supporters and analysts alike are optimistic about his ability to succeed in both arenas.
The announcement has sparked widespread excitement among Kano Pillars fans, with posts on X reflecting pride in Musa’s appointment as a “homegrown solution.” Many see his leadership as a chance to restore the club’s glory days while inspiring a new generation of players. As preparations for the new NPFL season intensify, all eyes will be on Musa to deliver on the promise of a revitalised Kano Pillars.
With a blend of passion, experience, and ambition, Ahmed Musa’s appointment as General Manager signals a bold new chapter for Kano Pillars, one that could reshape the club’s future and elevate its standing in Nigerian football.
