In a major statement of intent ahead of the highly anticipated ₦1 billion 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, four-time champions Kano Pillars have officially appointed Daniel Ogunmodede as their new Technical Adviser.
The blockbuster announcement was confirmed on Friday via an official statement from Isma’eel Abba Tangalashi, the Media Director of Kano Pillars FC.
“We’ve reached an agreement to appoint Daniel Ogunmodede (Ijaball) as our new Technical Adviser ahead of the 2026/2027 football season,” Tangalashi stated. “Welcome to Kano, and the Sai Masu Gida family are happy to have you with us!”
A Tactician with Pedigree
Ogunmodede, 46, arrives in the ancient city of Kano with one of the most glittering reputations in contemporary Nigerian football. Popularly known for his “Ijaball” philosophy—a high-octane, proactive possession style that blends defensive discipline with fluid transitional play—the gaffer signs a two-year contract with Sai Masu Gida.
The elite tactician famously etched his name into domestic folklore by guiding South-West outfit Remo Stars to their maiden, historic NPFL title during the 2024/2025 campaign, alongside securing back-to-back CAF Champions League qualification slots.
Following a surprising late-season departure from Ikenne amid reports of a managerial breakdown, Pillars moved swiftly to secure his signature, reportedly beating out intense competition from fellow traditional heavyweights Enyimba.
The Dual-Role Challenge
Ogunmodede’s arrival in Kano marks a massive structural upgrade for Pillars, but the manager’s schedule will remain intensely demanding. Beyond his new club duties, Ogunmodede will continue to maintain his elite position as an assistant coach to Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle.
| Detail | Appointment Overview |
| New Role | Technical Adviser, Kano Pillars FC |
| Contract Length | 2 Years |
| Tactical Identity | “Ijaball” (Proactive Possession & Pressing) |
| International Status | Retains role as Assistant Coach, Super Eagles |
| Predecessor | Muhammad Babaganaru |
Restoring the Pride of the North
The appointment comes on the heels of a disappointing 15th-place finish for Kano Pillars last term, where they scrambled to accumulate just 48 points across 38 matchdays. With the club parting ways with former manager Muhammad Babaganaru at the end of his contract, the Pillars hierarchy is radically reshaping its operational setup.
The technical overhaul coincides directly with the Kano State Government appointing seasoned football administrator Ahmad Garo as the new Chairman of the club. Garo has publicly pledged to prioritize strict professional management, deep youth development pipelines, and financial sustainability.
By landing the mastermind behind Remo Stars’ golden era, Kano Pillars are no longer content with merely navigating mid-table mediocrity. As the NPFL gears up for its most lucrative season in history, Sai Masu Gida have officially secured the tactical firepower to reclaim their throne at the summit of Nigerian football.
