Kano Pillars midfielder Shola Abdulraman has told the club's supporters to brace for an encouraging season, pointing to the team's opening performances as proof that the Sai Masu Gida mean business in the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.
Pillars began their league season with a 2-2 draw away to Kwara United in Ilorin on August 30, a result Abdulraman himself had a hand in after opening the scoring in the 11th minute. Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali doubled the lead in the 29th minute before the hosts fought back through two goals from Jerry Alex, including a stoppage-time equaliser deep into added time.
Speaking to SobiFM after the match, Abdulraman described the away point as a valuable one for Daniel Ogunmodede's side. "The point gained here in Ilorin was like a win for us," he said. He explained that scoring against Kwara United carried extra meaning for him personally, given his ties to Ilorin. "Its my job as a player to help my team which I did and I accorded Kwara United the respect needed because Ilorin is my home," Abdulraman added, before assuring the Pillars faithful that better days lie ahead. "The fans should expect positive results from Kano Pillars in this new campaign," he said.
Abdulraman's words proved prophetic almost immediately. On September 6, Kano Pillars returned to the Sani Abacha Stadium and defeated Niger Tornadoes 3-2 in an entertaining Matchday 2 encounter. Friday Ubong put the hosts ahead in the 40th minute, and Fabian Nworie Maduabuchi struck twice, first in first-half stoppage time and again in the 54th minute, to hand Pillars maximum points at home. Niger Tornadoes pulled two goals back through Godfrey Joseph and Wasiu Jimoh late on, but it was not enough to deny the Sai Masu Gida their first win of the season. Aminu Sani picked up a yellow card in the 34th minute during that game.
With one win and a draw from their opening two matches, Kano Pillars supporters have every reason to share Abdulraman's optimism heading into the rest of the campaign. Attention now turns to Matchday 4, with the team set to host Doma United FC at home on September 20 as they look to build further momentum in front of their own fans.