NPFL: Usman Abdallah bemoans Kano Pillars’ defensive frailties

By Wale Mustapha

Kano Pillars’ Technical Adviser, Usman Abdallah, has vowed to address his team’s defensive inconsistencies that have cost them valuable points in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Pyramid City side faced Lobi Stars in their Matchday 13 encounter on Saturday, where two quick goals in the span of just 15 minutes left them with an uphill battle.

Abdallah made tactical changes in the second half, including key substitutions, which helped his team rally to a 2-2 draw.

While he praised the players for their resilience in the second half, he acknowledged that defensive lapses need to be urgently addressed.

“We cannot continue this way, we will sit down and find ways to address this issue,” Abdallah said.

He further stressed that the team’s attacking prowess, being the highest-scoring side in the league, should not be undermined by defensive weaknesses.

“It’s unacceptable, and everyone must take responsibility from now on. We need to identify a no-nonsense central defender during the mid-season transfer window, whether from Nigeria, Niger Republic, or any other country, who can come in and strengthen the team,” he added.

The result leaves Kano Pillars in 6th place on the NPFL table with 19 points, four points adrift of leaders Remo Stars.

Their home fixture against Enyimba International has been postponed due to Enyimba’s participation in CAF club competitions.