Kabiru Baleria, a former Kano Pillars player and team manager, is dead after enduring a protracted illness. He passed away aged 57.

Baleria’s death was announced in a statement issued on the website of the Nigeria Professional Football League side.

The former assistant Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles coach, according to the statement, died on Tuesday evening at Doctor’s clinic in Bompai quarters in Kano state.

“Baleria died at the age of 57 and he is survived by his wife, six children and many relatives. Late Baleria was a former National team player and previously among the coaches at the U-17 level and the U-20 national team,” the statement read.

“Baleria died after a protracted illness.

“Football family in Kano and beyond are trooping in to the family House of late Baleria located at Durumin Zungura quarters, in Kano metropolitan to to show their last respect to the late football icon.” The Cable reports.