Kano Pillars Coach sets a high standard for football

Posted : 30 June 2023

Of the eight coaches of the teams taking part in the Nigeria National league - (NNL) Super 8 play-offs, which begins in Asaba, Delta State on Saturday; Evans Ogenyi of Kano Pillars is arguably the one with the most intimidating credentials.

Going by his qualifications, badges earned and wealth of experience he has built up, over the years, as a football coach, he has had stints with Enyimba of Aba, Bayelsa United, Warri Wolves, the now defunct Ocean Boys of Brass, Jigawa Golden Stars, Lobi Stars and now Kano Pillars.

The Sai Masu-gida got relegated from the top flight league, to the second tier league (NNL) at the end of last season, and that was only for their second time in their chequred history.

Often called Big Evans, as his imposing frame suggests, has truly come a long way, having worked and learnt from likes of former Super Eagles Head Coach, Amodu Shuaibu and Solomon Ogbeide who are now late; Bitrus Bewarang, Okey Emordi, Tunde Disu, Alfred Ekudina, Godwin Uwua, Fanny Amun, Justin Tenger, Moses Kpakor, among others.

So it is quite sage to conclude that his wealth of experience, deep knowledge of the Nigerian League and tactical/technical savy will all come very handy as he steers four-time NPFL champions, Kano Pillars to the Super eight, with the strong desire to grab one of the two tickets, on offer in the Northern Conference.

Pillars, are arguably the most supported team in Nigerian football at present, with cult follower-ship in the range of millions, and will be up against fierce North-West rivals, Katsina United, Abuja-based EFCC FC, and DMD FC of Maiduguri who are in the Super 8 play-offs for the second time in a row.

All four teams will be locked in a battle royale, in Asaba to determine the two sides that will be promoted from the Northern Conference to the Nigerian Premiership (NPFL).

The tactician who joined Pillars at the close of last season, in an interview noted that his mission in Kano and with Kano Pillars is one and unambiguous "to ensure the promotion of Kano Pillars, back to the elite division."

"This is exactly what we are about achieving, but like I have told the management and players, all hands must be on deck, if we are to bring top-flight football back to the Groundnut Pyramid City of Kano," Coach Evans said.

He added that it has to be a collective duty, after the circumstances that instigated their chain of poor results, and eventual demotion to the second-tier division.

"They entrusted the huge responsibility to me, believing I can do it; I'm also convinced that given the right environment and tools, I can do it. That's why I accepted the job in the first place," he added.

By qualifying for the Super 8, Evans believes his players have started well, but they must be very focused, until the job is done, on the final day, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, venue of all the matches.

The Benue state born-tactician, has the Confederation of African Football (CAF) A and B Licences, obtained as first set of Nigerian coaches trained during the Federation of international Football Associations (FIFA), Win-in-Africa With Africa Administration And Management Course (WIAWA).

Evans also has an advanced coaching certificate, and was amongst the very first set of Coaches trained as NFF/CAF Instructors for grassroots coaches.

The graduate of Benue State Polytechnic Ugbokolo, and National Open University of Nigeria, Evans has other verifiable coaching certificates that ranks him amongst the best in the land, and qualifies him to sit in the dogout of Kano Pillars or any clubside in the top two leagues in Nigeria.

Reacting to the defeat handed his side at the Naija Super 8 Zonal play-offs in Eket, Akwa Ibom State; the 50-year-old Big Evans said lessons have been learnt by his players, and described the match itself as a good shape-up, ahead of the challenges they are likely to face, in Asaba.

"It is a good fitness test we had with Katsina United. It is also an eye-opener for me, as I know where to focus on, in the NNL Super 8.

"I have my respect for DMD FC, EFCC FC and of course Katsina United, but please tell them we have already taken one of the two tickets. Let them fight for the other one."

Coach Evans during his lengthy period in the NPFL, won two Nigerian Premier League titles, and two Nigerian FA Cup trophies.

He has also been on CAF Inter-Club Competitions duties with four different clubs, but the highest he achieved was a semi final appearance with Enyimba.

In 2009, Evans Ogenyi was part of the prestigeous coaching education in Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria with the special one, Jose Mourinho in charge.

Kano Pillars Coach sets a high standard for football

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