Kano Pillars have extended the suspension of their technical adviser, Usman Abdallah, adding another game to the original ban.
Initially, Abdallah’s suspension was set to end after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match against Rangers United on Matchday 27. However, the club has now confirmed that Abdallah will remain sidelined until after the Matchday 28 encounter against Kwara United in Ilorin on Sunday, March 9.
The decision to extend the suspension is aimed at reducing tension among the supporters, with Abdallah confirming the update to Complete Sports.
“I’ve been told that the suspension has been extended for one more game, which is this weekend’s away match against Kwara United,” Abdallah said. “I was also informed that this decision is to further ease tensions among the supporters’ club.”
The suspension followed an alleged altercation between Abdallah and a group of Kano Pillars supporters after a home draw against El-Kanemi Warriors on Matchday 21.
Abdallah won the 2018/19 season NPFL title with Enyimba.
Abdallah explained the situation, saying, “I had a disagreement with about five individuals, and they misunderstood it as a fight with the fans. These are people who believe they have influence over the club and expect money from the coach every month. I made it clear I wouldn’t bow to their demands, and they went to the chairman.”
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Despite the controversy, Abdallah clarified that he spoke with the fans, and they later understood the situation.
“Two days later, I came out, explained things, and the fans understood,” he added.
Though Abdallah’s initial three-week suspension ended last week, the club chose to extend it to allow further investigation into the incident.
Abdallah expressed confusion about the ongoing suspension, stating, “I don’t know why I’m still suspended; there’s a lot of confusion. The supporters are against the officials, and now they’ve said the suspension will last until after our match against Kwara United.”
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“Immediately after the incident and my suspension, I travelled out of the country to Saudi Arabia. I’ve just returned. And to be fair, the management has been excellent. I received my salary last month, and even the bonuses that were paid—I got mine,” Abdallah concluded.
Since Abdallah’s suspension, interim coach Ahmed Garba, also known as Yaro Yaro, has been in charge of the team for six NPFL matches recording 4 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw with the team now 4th on the log with 42 points.
