July, 26 2023.
More Coaches in the ever fluid-like Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) are on the move at the end of the 2022/23 season, and the upcoming 2023/24 season, whose format is yet to be decided by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the newly inaugurated NPFL Board.
Fans of Kano Pillars were in jubilant mood on Monday after the management of the Sai-Masugida appointed Abdul Maikaba, to take-over as Technical Adviser of the club.
The veteran Maikaba, who left Enugu Rangers after his two-year contract was not renewed by the Flying Antelopes, signed a one-year contract which can be renewed for an additional 12 months.
The former Physics Teacher, who started his coaching career as an Assistant Head Coach of Kano Pillars, before stints with FC Abuja, Wikki Tourists, Akwa United, and Plateau United; takes over from Evans Ogenyi who steered last season, and capped it with promotion back to the NPFL; before he and his assistants were sacked.
Following the departure of Maikaba, Enugu Rangers signed-on former Plateau United Head Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu; after the former MFM FC of Lagos and Heartland of Owerri tactician opted not to renew his two-year contract.
Another Coach that has since jumped-ship, is Bala Abubakar who left Niger Tornadoes to take over from Mohammed Babaganaru at Lobi Stars of Makurdi.
His first responsibility was to take Lobi Stars which had a very torrid outing at the NPFL Super Six, to the Naija Super 8 in Lagos; where the team gave an improved account of themselves by reaching the semifinals.
In place of Bala Abubakar, the management of the Ikon-Allah Boys have appointed Hamza Abara as their new head coach.
This will be his second stint in the head coach role at the Minna-based club where he has twice been an assistant. Abara was also an assistant coach at Enyimba and Plateau United.