Kano Pillars have collected 19 points from their opening 12 matches in the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, but their inability to secure an away victory remains a major concern despite an encouraging start to the campaign.

Sports247 reports that the Sai Masu Gida have recorded four wins, seven draws and just one defeat, scoring 15 goals and conceding 12 to maintain a positive goal difference of three. They have also kept five clean sheets, underlining their defensive resilience.

Pillars opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Kwara United before registering consecutive victories over Niger Tornadoes (3-2) and Doma United (4-1), showing early signs of their attacking quality, Sports247 gathered.

However, they struggled to maintain that winning momentum, settling for draws against Inter Lagos, Enyimba, Sporting Lagos and Shooting Stars.

Their only defeat so far came on October 11, when Plateau United handed them a heavy 4-0 loss, exposing defensive weaknesses that had not been as evident in their earlier fixtures.

The Kano-based side responded with a 1-0 victory over Katsina United before drawing with Warri Wolves. They subsequently secured an impressive 2-0 win against Nasarawa United but were held to a 1-1 draw by Kun Khalifat FC in their latest outing on November 6.

Home Strength, Away-Day Concerns

A breakdown of their results highlights a clear difference between Pillars’ performances at home and on the road.

At home, they have collected 14 points from six matches, recording four victories and two draws without losing. Their home form has provided a dependable source of points and kept them competitive in the league.

Away from home, however, the picture is less convincing. Pillars have managed just five points from six matches, drawing five and losing once, with no victory on their travels.

The inability to turn away draws into wins has limited their points return and remains an area the technical crew must address.

With 19 points from a possible 36, Kano Pillars have shown commendable resilience, losing only once in 12 matches. However, seven draws indicate missed opportunities to convert competitive displays into victories.

Their strong home record offers a platform to build on, but improving their away performances will be crucial if the Sai Masu Gida are to sustain their ambitions in NPFL27.

For Pillars, the challenge is straightforward: turn draws into wins, maintain defensive discipline and find a winning formula on the road.

The post NPFL: Kano Pillars’ Away-Day Struggles Persist Despite 19-Point Return in NPFL27 appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Inter Lagos interim coach Olusanjo Olutayo has raised concerns over the technical foundation and tactical understanding of players competing in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), following his side’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Ranchers Bees.

READ ALSO: NPFL: ‘15 Chances, Zero Goals — That’s Relegation Form’ Inter Lagos Interim Coach Olutayo Sounds Alarm After Nasarawa United Defeat | Sports247 Nigeria

Sports247 reports that Olutayo expressed frustration with his players’ inability to execute basic instructions, suggesting that deficiencies in their football education were affecting the team’s tactical organisation and overall performance.

According to the coach, the problem goes beyond match-day pressure, pointing instead to foundational issues that should have been addressed during the players’ early development.

“It was a foundational issue, what the players were taught from scratch. It affects the tactical system,” Olutayo said.

He questioned how professional footballers competing in the country’s top division could still struggle with basic technical requirements, particularly in midfield.

“How can you teach a midfielder in the league, some 12-year-old players basic technique?” he queried.

The Inter Lagos coach also dismissed mental pressure as the primary explanation for his team’s struggles, insisting that the club had sufficient resources and personnel to compete.

“I don’t care about the mental pressure; we have enough components there,” he stated.

His comments followed a frustrating afternoon for Inter Lagos against Ranchers Bees on Sunday.

Qoyum Akinpelu gave Inter Lagos an early advantage from the penalty spot in the ninth minute, but the visitors responded through Oscar Gabriel, who found the equaliser in the 60th minute.

Olutayo admitted that Ranchers Bees created more opportunities and applied better pressing during the encounter. He was particularly disappointed that his players failed to remember and implement instructions worked on during preparations for the match.

The result leaves Inter Lagos rooted to the bottom of the NPFL table as they continue their search for a first league victory of the campaign.

With results yet to improve, Olutayo’s comments have brought renewed attention to the importance of grassroots football education, technical development and tactical understanding in Nigeria’s domestic league.

The post “How Can You Teach a Midfielder Basic Technique at This Level?” – Olusanjo Questions NPFL Players’ Tactical Understanding appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Akwa United have unveiled eight additional signings as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, with promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) firmly in focus.

Sports247 reports that the latest recruits are Kammonke Willie from Ikorodu City, Abubakar Sadiq from Hephzibah FC, Ikechukwu Onuoha from Adoration FC, Saviour Edet from KMK FC, Allen Ihunwo from Maverick FC, Ameer Muhammad from Reign FA, Augustine Chibuzor from ECAS FA and Damadou Franck from Cavalier FC of the Benin Republic.

The eight additions comprise five attacking players, two midfielders and one defender, providing head coach Paul Offor with more options as he prepares the team for another promotion campaign.

One of the notable additions is Saviour Edet, who is regarded as one of the promising young talents from Akwa Ibom State. The youngster joins from KMK Academy, Uyo, bringing considerable potential and ambition as he takes another step in his football career.

The latest recruitment takes Akwa United’s new signings to 18, following the earlier arrival of 10 players.

The first batch included goalkeeper Robert Cole; defenders Keme Okoriye, Famoyegun Michael and Ikemdinachi Prince; midfielders Paschal Uba, Asiriuwa Godwin, Ifeanyichukwu Nwune and James Peter; as well as forwards Peter Asuquo and Apas Abel.

The new arrivals have joined the retained players in training as the technical crew works to establish a balanced and competitive squad ahead of the new season.

Akwa United will compete in Conference B of the 2026/2027 NNL campaign, which commenced on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Having narrowly missed out on promotion last season, the Promise Keepers are targeting a stronger campaign as they seek to reclaim their place in the top flight.

Their quest begins on Sunday, November 8, when they welcome Ekiti United FC to the Uyo Township Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm.

The post Akwa United Unveil Eight More Signings as Promise Keepers Intensify NPFL Promotion Push appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.