
Babaganaru has openly criticized officiating decisions following Kano Pillars’ 4–1 defeat to Bayelsa United in Yenagoa, describing several calls during the match as “questionable.”
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Speaking after the Matchday 32 encounter in the Nigeria Premier Football League, the Kano Pillars head coach did not hold back in his post-match assessment.
“The referee has made a lot of questionable decisions in the match. Anybody that’s doubting me should go and rewatch the video again,” he said, reflecting his frustration after what became the team’s heaviest loss of the season.
The defeat compounds an already difficult campaign for the Sai Masu Gida side, who are now battling to steer clear of relegation. Despite their pedigree as one of Nigeria’s traditional powerhouses, Kano Pillars have struggled for consistency, particularly on the road.
Matchday 32 proved to be one of the most entertaining rounds of the season league-wide, producing a remarkable 34 goals across fixtures—the highest tally recorded so far this term. However, for Kano Pillars, it was a day to forget, as defensive lapses and missed opportunities contributed to their collapse in Yenagoa.
A worrying statistic further highlights their struggles: the team has failed to secure a single away victory in ten matches played. This poor run of form on the road has significantly impacted their league standing and intensified pressure on the technical crew.
While Babaganaru’s criticism of officiating adds another dimension to the defeat, attention will inevitably turn to the team’s performances and ability to respond in the remaining fixtures.
With the season approaching its decisive phase, Kano Pillars face an uphill task to regain stability and secure their top-flight status.
For now, the focus shifts to recovery, regrouping, and finding solutions—both tactically and mentally—as they aim to navigate their way out of a challenging period.

