New Kano Pillars Technical Adviser Daniel Ogunmodede, popularly known as IJABALL, has appealed to the club’s supporters to remain calm and disciplined despite their strong desire to see the team return to winning ways.
Speaking during his official unveiling at the Kano Pillars Secretariat, the Super Eagles assistant coach praised the passion of the Sai Masu Gida faithful but stressed that maintaining a positive atmosphere around the team would be vital to the success of the new project.
“I can see how passionate Kano Pillars supporters are. This is where I want to be. I want to be with people that don’t like to lose. Nonetheless, we must learn to control our pleasure and ambition. Don’t forget: if we’re in crisis, if we are in trouble, it will affect the team. I beseech us the fans, the supporters, to stay calm, positive, and objective. My door is open for criticism, and know that we must avoid the crises that have happened with the club in the last 3 years.”
Ogunmodede also reminded supporters that Kano Pillars will begin the new season by playing their opening two home matches behind closed doors. He urged everyone connected with the club to help prevent a repeat of the incidents that have led to disciplinary sanctions in recent years.
“Don’t forget we are starting the season with 2 games behind closed doors. We don’t want to be in such situations again. Be calm, be objective, and we must be positive. The project is built around respect, honesty, hard work, and discipline.”
The coach’s appeal comes against the backdrop of several disciplinary punishments handed to Kano Pillars over the past few years because of crowd violence and fan misconduct.
In April 2026, the Nigeria Premier Football League banished the club from Kano and imposed a ₦15 million fine following crowd trouble during a match against Rivers United.
Earlier, in October 2025, the Sani Abacha Stadium was indefinitely closed after violent scenes involving supporters, Shooting Stars and match officials. The punishment initially included a minimum 10 match banishment to Katsina before the Nigeria Football Federation reduced it to five matches.
The club also suffered a season long banishment to Abuja in April 2022 after a violent pitch invasion and the assault of Katsina United officials. Three years earlier, in June 2019, Kano Pillars received a stadium ban and an ₦8 million fine following fan misconduct during a league match against Sunshine Stars.
Kano Pillars have now entrusted Ogunmodede with the responsibility of restoring the club to the summit of Nigerian football after several difficult seasons. The Sai Masu Gida last won the Nigeria Premier Football League title in 2014, having previously been crowned champions in the 2007/08, 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons.
The appointment signals the beginning of a new chapter for the Kano club. With Ogunmodede’s proven record of building successful teams and his emphasis on discipline, unity and professionalism, the management believes he can lead Kano Pillars back into contention for major domestic honours.
