Kano Pillars FC chairman, Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, has attributed the club's underwhelming performance in the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season to late preparations and delayed appointment of a technical adviser.

The Sai Masu Gida finished ninth on the league table with 53 points from 38 matches, falling short of their pre-season ambitions despite showing a six-point improvement from their previous campaign.

"Despite a challenging start marked by late preparations and the late appointment of a technical adviser, Kano Pillars FC emerged as one of the most exciting teams of the season," Umar stated in an official club communication.

The chairman emphasized that while the ninth-place finish represented progress compared to the previous season, it still fell below the club's expectations given their storied history in Nigerian football.

Rebuilding for Next Season

Looking ahead, Umar revealed that preparations for the 2025-26 season have already commenced, with the club focusing on strategic recruitment to strengthen the squad.

"Now, as the curtains fall on 2024/2025, the work for next season has already begun. We are fully committed to rebuilding a stronger squad, one that can not only challenge for the NPFL title but also go all the way in the FA Cup," he stated.

The chairman confirmed that the recruitment process is ongoing with strategic additions aimed at returning the club to "the pinnacle of Nigerian football."

Kano Pillars, one of Nigeria's most successful clubs with multiple league titles to their name, will be looking to reclaim their position among the elite teams in the NPFL after several seasons of middling performances.

Football analysts believe the early start to preparations for the upcoming season could prove crucial in helping the Kano-based outfit achieve their ambitions in both domestic competitions.