2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 10 Review: Niger Tornadoes Compound Kano Pillars’ Woes

Posted : 27 October 2025

Niger Tornadoes deepened Kano Pillars’ relegation fears with a 2–0 victory in Katsina, extending the Sai Masu Gida’s poor run.

Kano Pillars’ poor run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) continued on Saturday as Muhammad Babaganaru’s side slumped to a 2–0 defeat against Niger Tornadoes in Katsina.

The Matchday 10 result further deepened Sai Masu Gida’s relegation fears and extended their winless streak.

The encounter, held at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium due to Pillars’ home ban following crowd trouble in their Matchday 8 draw with Shooting Stars, marked Babaganaru’s first game in charge since replacing Ogenyi Evans, who was dismissed last Sunday after a poor run of results.

After a cagey first half, Abdulrasheed Dabai and Terdoo Shimagande struck in the second period to hand Tornadoes a well-deserved away win — their second consecutive victory in the league.

Despite the introduction of Ahmed Musa from the bench, Pillars failed to make their dominance count. They controlled 63% possession, recorded 16 shots (five on target), and won eight corners, but could not find the net. Tornadoes, meanwhile, managed seven shots (three on target) and only one corner, yet left with all three points.

The defeat leaves the four-time NPFL champions hovering just above the relegation zone, while Niger Tornadoes climbed into the top four.

For Babaganaru, a two-time NPFL title winner with Pillars (2011/12 and 2012/13), the result highlights the huge task ahead.

His recent record makes grim reading — winless in his last four NPFL games as a Technical Adviser. Before rejoining Pillars, Babaganaru endured a difficult spell at Akwa United, where he won 10, drew four, and lost 13 of 27 matches before the team was relegated.

He resigned in December 2024 after a 1–1 draw with Bendel Insurance and later joined Lobi Stars, who also suffered relegation after losing all three games under his leadership.

Saturday’s defeat followed a 2–1 derby loss to Barau FC the previous week, meaning Pillars have now suffered back-to-back home defeats.

Overall, the Sai Masu Gida have recorded just two wins, two draws, and five losses from nine matches in the 2025/26 NPFL season, leaving their campaign on uncertain footing as pressure mounts on Babaganaru to deliver results.

2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 10 Review: Niger Tornadoes Compound Kano Pillars’ Woes

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