By Nura Garba Sabonsara
The questions on the minds of many football enthusiasts are simple yet troubling: Will Kano Pillars survive the relegation battle? Has the management taken bold steps to rescue the team from the deep waters of relegation? Are the players capable and sufficiently skilled to compete in this challenging league ecosystem? These questions have continued to disturb the minds of Pillars fans across Nigeria.
I travelled to the University of Jos as the media officer of Bayero University Kano to cover the 27th NUGA Games, and many people from different states approached me with similar concerns.
They asked: What is happening with Kano Pillars? Why does it seem that the government and management have abandoned the team without proper care? Why are some Pillars fans behaving in primitive ways? My response was always that things would eventually change for the better.
To be frank and sincere, Kano Pillars currently sit in the 20th position after 13 weeks, with only three victories to their name. This is the club’s worst start in over 20 years at this stage of the season. Their next opponents, Ikorodu City, are at the top of the table with 24 points and have lost only one match so far.
They are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run, a streak they are determined to extend. On 7 November 2025, the club posted on their website, “We head to Ozoro to hunt Wolves,” and they backed it up by beating Warri Wolves 2–0 away in what became their first-ever NPFL victory.
Though both teams met in the 2022 NNL season—with Ikorodu losing 0–1 away and winning 2–1 at home, they have shown significant progress since then. After their matchday 12 away victory, they extended their strong form by defeating Plateau United 2–1 at home, courtesy of goals from Atumala and Balogun.
Now, they face Pillars on matchday 14, just five matches before the first half of the season concludes.
WHAT NEXT FOR KANO PILLARS*
Playing in Katsina has proven difficult for the team. Pillars are yet to secure a victory there, losing 0–2 to Niger Tornadoes and drawing another match. To set the ball rolling and truly flag the battle against relegation, Sai Masu Gida must defeat Ikorodu City despite their impressive form. Securing all three points would at least bring some relief to a team and fanbase that have endured significant agony in recent times.
Pillars must do everything humanly possible to secure at least two away wins, three to five away draws, and win all remaining home matches. This is the only pathway out of relegation danger.
The Babaganaru-led team came painfully close to beating Bendel Insurance after leading 2–1 up to the 74th minute, only to concede two late goals, one from Dunge in the 75th minute and another from Akpan in the 85th minute—to lose 3–2 in match day 12. The Kano-based side also lost their rescheduled fixture 1–0 to former league champions Remo Stars.
The biggest turnaround must start now: beat Ikorodu City, win two away matches, draw three to five away matches, and secure victory in all remaining home games.
HOW TO ACHIEVE THIS MILESTONE*
- Strategic Recruitment
For Kano Pillars to revive their relegation battle, the team must embark on strategic recruitment of at least six key players—two from each of the defence, midfield, and attack—to complement the existing squad.
This must not be a mere window-shopping spree but a deliberate, value-driven process aimed at signing players who can make instant impact. The fans must see that a conscious, serious effort is being made to free their beloved team from relegation.
- Improved Players’ Welfare
Players’ welfare must be guaranteed—from financial incentives to ensuring that the team travels by air for any match in the southern part of Nigeria. These measures boost morale and performance.
- Unified Fan Support
Fans must support the team with daily prayers and unwavering encouragement instead of accusations and blame games. Finger-pointing will only divide and confuse the team at a time when unity is crucial.
- Urgency from Players and Coaches
Players and the coaching crew must understand that time is no longer on the side of Kano Pillars. Every game is important from now until the end of the league season. Any loss will count negatively against the team.
- Constitution of a Prayer Committee
The team must establish a high-level prayer committee that will pray fervently, deliberately, and with complete dedication. This committee should be adequately empowered with all necessary logistics and should accompany the team to both home and away matches.
- Internal Harmony
If there is any conflict or disharmony among the management, it must be set aside immediately. The focus should be solely on the success and stability of the team.
The operation to save Kano Pillars from relegation must be pursued with utmost seriousness, commitment, and deliberate effort. And this operation must begin on Monday, 24 November 2025, by defeating Ikorodu City at home.
The operation must be technical, financial, and operational.
Sabonsara is a sports researcher, writer, commentator, and analyst
