Sports
Pillars Explains Winning Formular
Kano Pillars have now
won the Nigeria Premier League three straight seasons and Tidesports source examines what they are doing that others may not be doing
Poor working conditions is the major bane of most clubs in Nigeria, but Kano Pillars have been an exception to the rule as they are one of a handful of clubs who do not have such issues with their players and coaches and this is the motivation players and coaches need to give their best whenever they are on the pitch. The players get paid promptly and regularly. Minimum monthly salary is 200,000 Naira ($1200).
Football is a game of team work and if you look at Pillars team for the past four seasons, they have managed to keep the core of their players – Gambo Mohammed, Rabiu Ali, Theophilus Afelokhai, Shagari Mohammed and Umar Zango. That continuity has made it easy for coaches to blend the players.
Pillars management has over time been very professional especially in its dealing with the coach as they give him and the technical committee the free hand to do their work. The coach usually has the free hand to recruit players and pick them for games. And the result is there for all to see now.
Pillars have a good record of recruiting quality additions to their squad season after season. For the outgoing season, Adamu Hassan was signed from Kwara United and he justified his switch by scoring 14 goals.
thus far. Ubong Ekpai from Akwa United as well as experienced campaigners like Azeez Shobowale, Eneji Otekpa and Philip Auta have all proved inspired signings for this season.
They players are highly motivated by the fact that government will always reward them for winning titles with cars and huge cash gifts. This has galvanized them because they know they only have to produce results and the government will deliver. Kano sports commissioner Abubakar Danburan Nuhu said winning the championship three times in a row is an indication that the state government investment in sports is yielding positive result and so he commended Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for his tremendous support to the team.
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”