Second Coming! Pillars turn to Ikhana…’the Messiah?’

Kano Pillars have confirmed the appointment of Kadiri Ikhana as their new manager, with the former Nigeria defender signing a one-year deal to succeed Mohammed Babaganaru, who left the club at the end of the Premier League season.

Spokesman for the Kano club Idris Malikawa said Ikhana, who had previously managed the team, had been given the mandate to win the league.

Malikawa said in a statement on Sunday, “Kadiri Ikhana is the new coach of Kano Pillars. He has signed a one-year contract and he is expected to use his wealth of experience to regain the league title for us.He will be given total support to achieve this target. He will be presented to the media on Tuesday in Kano.”

Nigeria ’80 Africa Cup of Nations winner Ikhana, who won the league title with Pillars in 2008, was shortlisted along with Gbenga Ogunbote, Samson Unuanel and Zachary Baraje for the job.

Ikhana, who won the 1978 FA Challenge Cup with Bendel Insurance, dumped Ibadan Premier League side Shooting Stars in the middle of last season.

He guided Enyimba to the CAF Champions League title in 2003.