Kano Pillars have confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Babaganaru as Acting Technical Adviser, marking his third stint in charge of the club.
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after Pillars’ 2-1 derby defeat to newly promoted Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, a result that left the Sai Masu Gida with only two wins, two draws, and four losses from eight matches in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
Technical Adviser Ogenyi Evans and Chief Coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro, who presided over the result, were suspended after the game in Kano.
Babaganaru, a two-time NPFL title winner with Pillars in 2011/12 and 2012/13, returns to Kano with a point to prove after a difficult spell at Akwa United, where he was unable to prevent the Promise Keepers from relegation last season.
During his tenure in Uyo, Babaganaru took charge of 27 matches, recording 10 wins, four draws, and 13 defeats before Akwa United dropped out of the topflight.
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He resigned on 10 December 2024 following a 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance. The Promise Keepers continued to struggle under his successor, Kennedy Boboye, who was unable to overturn the team’s poor early-season form as they eventually suffered relegation.
Both managers have since returned to the topflight, Boboye was recently appointed head coach of Bendel Insurance to help steer the club clear of relegation, while Babaganaru has now taken charge of Kano Pillars once again.
A brief stint at Lobi Stars followed for Babaganaru, but it ended in further disappointment as the Benue club also suffered relegation after losing all three matches under his management.
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Despite recent setbacks, Pillars’ hierarchy believe Babaganaru’s experience and familiarity with the club will help stabilise their season.
“We wish Coach Babaganaru success in his new role as he leads the Sai Masu Gida in upcoming fixtures,” the club’s Media and Communications Directorate said in a statement.
Babaganaru is expected to resume immediately as Pillars prepare for their next NPFL fixture.
