Inside Story: What Kano Pillars fans are saying about the termination of Paul Offor’s contract
In a surprising turn of events, Nigeria Premier Football League side Kano Pillars have terminated the contract of Coach Paul Offor just 19 days after his appointment.
The decision to part ways with Offor, who was hired on July 12, 2024, has sparked mixed reactions among fans and football figures. While some support the decision, others feel that Offor was not given a fair chance to prove himself.
Sources close to the club reveal that the Kano State Commissioner for Sports, who was opposed to Offor’s appointment, played a key role in the sudden decision.
The selection process had seen Offor and Usman Abdallah as the top candidates. While the axed Interim Chairman preferred Offor, the Commissioner favored Usman Abdallah.
SportsRation also gathered that the unveiling ceremony for Paul Offor was reportedly disrupted by unidentified individuals, forcing the Chairman to relocate the event to ensure it took place on July 12.
The Commissioner’s disapproval led to the swift dissolution of the previous board, which had brought Offor on board.
The newly appointed board has now terminated the 19-day-old contract Paul Offor signed to become Pillars technical adviser.
Hours after the news emerged of Kano Pillars’ decision , SportsRation correspondent Nsikakabasi Akpan engaged some of the club’s supporters on social media and received the following responses:
Musa Ibrahim said: “It was a wise decision to let Offor go. His appointment seemed rushed and lacked the support of local stakeholders. A new direction is needed to ensure the club’s success.”
Fatima Bello echoed similar sentiments when she wrote: “I agree with the club’s move. Offor’s sudden hiring created too much controversy. It’s better to start afresh with someone who has the backing of the community and the current management.”
Abdullahi Usman also supported the decision: “The decision was necessary. The management needed to align with local preferences and expectations. A new coach who understands our culture and language is crucial for team cohesion.”
Despite his brief 19-day tenure as Kano Pillars boss, Offor managed to win over some fans like Aminu Aliyu, Hajara Abubakar, Sulaiman Salisu, and Zainab Mohammed, who opposed the termination of his contract.
Aminu Aliyu said: “I believe the club should have allowed Offor to prove his worth. He deserved a chance to show what he could achieve with the team. Changing coaches so quickly is not ideal.”
Female supporter Hajara Abubakar added: “Offor was hired based on his track record, and it’s disappointing to see him dismissed without a fair chance. The club should have given him time to work and assess his performance on merit.”
Sulaiman Salisu opined that the former board had a good reason for appointing the former Sporting Lagos boss. His words: “The sack seems unjust. Offor was brought in for a reason, and the club should have evaluated his performance before making such a decision. This quick change could affect team morale.”
For Zainab Mohammed, this decision was unjust: “It’s unfortunate that Offor wasn’t given a fair opportunity. The club should focus on stability and allow new appointments to work through their plans before making any drastic moves.”
As the search for a new head coach continues, Coach Usman Abdallah is emerging as a leading candidate, with many fans and influential figures supporting his potential appointment due to his local understanding and experience.
