There is no denying that sports development in Kano State is in serious decline, a reality reflected most starkly in the poor performance of Kano Pillars Football Club in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Once regarded as one of Nigerian football’s powerhouses, Kano Pillars now struggles to find its footing. Sadly, there is little to celebrate this season, just as there was little in the previous campaign.
Currently, the club languishes in second-to-last position on the league table, a worrying indicator of how far it has fallen.
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This downward trend has raised serious concerns among football lovers and stakeholders across the state, many of whom can hardly recognize the formidable Kano Pillars of old.
The club’s predicament is not only embarrassing but also symbolic of the wider crisis facing sports administration in Kano.
Perhaps most painful is the deafening silence from those in authority. Neither the supervising ministry nor the club’s management has offered explanations or reassurance to supporters regarding the team’s struggles.
This lack of communication and accountability has only deepened public anger and disappointment, leaving fans to speculate while the club continues to slide.
Many had hoped the team would use the recently concluded transfer window to address player shortages and strengthen weak areas.
However, to the surprise and disappointment of supporters, Kano Pillars allowed the opportunity to slip by unused, despite its glaring lack of quality players.
This missed chance has only worsened the club’s already fragile situation, exposing glaring weaknesses in planning and decision-making, while raising even more questions and concerns about its future.
For a team battling relegation and struggling for form, failing to reinforce the squad at such a critical moment speaks volumes about the lack of urgency and direction within the system.
As supporters grow increasingly anxious, the silence from those in charge only fuels speculation and fear that, unless drastic measures are taken, Kano Pillars may continue its downward slide.
There is an urgent need for the supervising ministry to explain why the plight of Kano Pillars has not been treated with seriousness.
According to a reliable source close to the ministry, the club’s management had long submitted requests for reinforcements and support, yet these appeals were allegedly ignored until the transfer window closed. If true, this raises troubling questions about administrative commitment and oversight at a time when urgent intervention was needed.
Equally troubling is the apparent underperformance of the Kano State Sports Commission, the agency charged with developing sports, discovering talent, and nurturing young athletes across the state.
Since its inception, the commission has failed to deliver tangible results or impactful grassroots programs capable of reviving Kano’s sporting fortunes.
Rather than serving as a breeding ground for future champions, the commission seems to struggle with direction, coordination, and effective planning.
The absence of visible talent development pathways and sustainable sports programs has left Kano increasingly disconnected from its proud sporting heritage.
Since its inception, the commission has not introduced credible or well-structured sporting programs such as a State Sports Festival, which many other states organize regularly to nurture grassroots talent.
Even more disappointing is the lack of inter-local government or senatorial district competitions, which could serve as platforms to identify young athletes and promote unity through sports.
The absence of organized school sports (primary and secondary) across the state has further compounded the problem.
This neglect has effectively cut off a vital pipeline for talent discovery and development, contributing to Kano’s growing inability to produce stars capable of featuring for either the state or national teams.
Unless urgent and deliberate steps are taken to reform the sports system, strengthen management structures, and prioritize youth development, Kano risks losing its long-standing reputation as a hub of sporting excellence.
In the short term, urgent measures are needed to rescue Kano Pillars from its sorry state. The government should introduce meaningful incentives to boost players’ morale and motivate them to give their best on the pitch.
Alternatively, it could take a cue from Barau FC, whose management implemented timely motivational measures that transformed the team’s fortunes, lifting them from the bottom of the league table to mid-table stability.
Such practical steps could help restore confidence within the squad and spark a much-needed turnaround.
As for the Kano State Sports Commission, it is clear that those currently heading the agency are career civil servants whose expertise lies in managing routine bureaucratic duties.
While they may perform adequately in running an office, they are not equipped to handle the unique demands of sports development, a specialized field requiring experience, knowledge, and passion.
Therefore, the government must immediately identify genuine sports stakeholders in the state and empower them to lead the commission.
Fortunately, Kano has many such specialized individuals who are capable of guiding sports development effectively.
The government must recognize that sports development is not an area that politicians can effectively oversee or manage to meet expectations.
What the commission truly needs are the right people, those that are experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals, who understand the unique demands of the field and can provide the vision, leadership, and strategic direction necessary to transform Kano’s sports sector.
Only with the right expertise at the helm can the state hope to achieve meaningful results and restore its proud sporting legacy.
Without placing the right people at the helm, the commission cannot fulfil its mandate of discovering talent, developing athletes, and restoring Kano’s proud sporting legacy.
Strategic leadership is crucial if the state truly hopes to revive its sports sector and achieve results that reflect its rich history.
