Kano Pillars have turned to a football administrator with experience at both domestic and international levels after appointing Ahmad Musbahu Garo as chairman of the club’s newly constituted management board.
The appointment places Garo at the helm of one of Nigeria’s most successful football institutions, with the responsibility of overseeing a club seeking renewed stability, stronger governance and a return to sustained success on and off the pitch.
While his appointment marks a new chapter for Kano Pillars, Garo is no stranger to football administration.
Before taking charge of the four-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions, he spent four years with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), serving in several administrative roles between 2020 and 2024.
During that period, he worked as the federation’s Administrative Officer and FIFA Connect Manager, where he oversaw football registration processes and player data management through FIFA’s Connect system. His responsibilities also extended to national team football, serving as Team Administrator of Nigeria’s Under-23 men’s team and Team Coordinator of the Home-Based Super Eagles.
His work at the federation involved coordinating administrative and logistical operations for national teams, supporting preparations for international competitions and ensuring compliance with FIFA, CAF and NFF regulations. He also worked closely with players, coaches, officials and other stakeholders in delivering football development programmes.
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Away from day-to-day administration, Garo has invested heavily in professional development through several FIFA and CAF educational programmes.
His qualifications include the FIFA Essential Course in Club Management, Sports Safety and Security Advanced Education, FIFA Safety and Security Training, the FIFA Safety and Security Regional Workshop and an Executive Programme in Sports Management.
The combination of administrative experience and international training has helped shape his approach to football governance, with an emphasis on professionalism, strategic planning, club management and organisational leadership.
Youth development has also featured prominently throughout his career.
According to Kano Pillars, Garo has consistently supported initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young footballers, helping talented players access professional pathways through club development programmes and relationships across the football ecosystem.
Beyond football, the new chairman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from Stafford University, graduating in 2018. The academic background complements his experience in organisational management and sports administration.
As he begins his tenure, Garo has outlined an ambitious vision for Kano Pillars centred on professionalism, financial sustainability and long-term competitiveness.
His priorities include strengthening the club’s football structures, promoting transparency and accountability, investing in youth development, improving engagement with stakeholders and attracting strategic partnerships capable of supporting the club’s future ambitions.
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Pillars is a club with a rich history in Nigerian football and a passionate fan base, expectations will inevitably be high. Garo now inherits the responsibility of translating his experience in football administration into results at club level as Kano Pillars seek to build on their legacy and compete consistently for domestic honours while re-establishing themselves on the continental stage.
