By Dr Nura Garba Sabonsara
With the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season coming to an end on Sunday, May 25, many football fans believe Kano Pillars are dangerously close to relegation.
However, the four-time NPFL champions still have a realistic chance of surviving the drop and securing their place in the top flight for next season.
That is to say despite the difficult task ahead and the pressure of the relegation battle, Kano Pillars can still turn their fortunes around if they deliver strong performances in their remaining matches and capitalize on every available opportunity.
With their rich history, experience, and fighting spirit, the Sai Masu Gida will be hoping to defy the odds and preserve their status among Nigeria’s elite football clubs.
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Kano Pillars’ current situation became worse after their painful Week 36 defeat by Kun Khalifat FC. Pillars showed real fighting spirit, pulling level with an equaliser just five minutes before the final whistle.
However, their resilience was short-lived as the home side responded almost immediately, finding a late winner in the dying moments to seal the victory and push Pillars deeper into relegation trouble.
As the final round of matches approaches, attention will be focused on different stadiums across the country.
The NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, has confirmed that two league trophies will be on standby on the final day of the season.
According to him, one trophy will be presented in Lagos, where Ikorodu City FC host league leaders Enugu Rangers, while the second will be in Port Harcourt, where Rivers United FC take on Katsina United FC.
With just a single point separating the top two sides, the title race in the Nigeria Premier Football League remains wide open, setting up a tense and potentially dramatic conclusion to the season.
The relegation battle remains highly competitive, with Wikki Tourists FC and Bayelsa United FC already confirmed to have dropped out of the top flight.
However, the fight to avoid the remaining relegation spots is still wide open, with several teams including Plateau United FC, Kwara United FC, El-Kanemi Warriors FC, Remo Stars FC, Kano Pillars FC, Niger Tornadoes FC, Enyimba FC, Kun Khalifat FC, and Warri Wolves FC still deeply involved in the struggle for survival as the season heads into a tense finish.
Because home teams usually have an advantage in the NPFL, clubs like Warri Wolves, Plateau United, Kun Khalifat, Enyimba and Niger Tornadoes are considered favourites to win their home matches and avoid relegation.
Kano Pillars Survival Chances
Kano Pillars, currently on 48 points, will travel to Jos to face Plateau United, who sit just behind on 47 points, in a high-stakes encounter that could prove decisive for both sides’ survival hopes.
With the table so tight, the match carries all the pressure of a must-win or must-not-lose fixture for the two teams.
Despite the tension among supporters and the intensity of the relegation battle, Kano Pillars still have multiple pathways to secure their top-flight status if they manage to get a positive result in Jos and handle the remaining fixtures effectively.
Already relegated Bayelsa United, who have 40 points, will host Kwara United, who are on 47 points. If Bayelsa United defeat Kwara United, Kano Pillars could survive regardless of their result against Plateau United.
Another important match will see Bendel Insurance FC host Remo Stars FC. A victory for Bendel Insurance would drag Remo Stars into danger and improve Kano Pillars’ survival hopes.
Also, if Niger Tornadoes FC fail to beat Shooting Stars S.C. at home, they could fall into the relegation zone instead of Pillars.
Similarly, Enyimba FC are just a point behind Kano Pillars on 47 points, keeping the survival equation finely balanced heading into the final day.
If they fail to get a result against El-Kanemi Warriors FC, it could still work in Pillars’ favour, even if they drop points in Jos.
This scenario means Kano Pillars will not only be focused on their own crucial clash away to Plateau United FC, but will also be closely tracking developments across other venues as results elsewhere could directly determine their fate in the relegation battle.
However, the clearest and safest route for survival remains in their own hands. Avoiding defeat against Plateau United would put them in a strong position, while a win or even a draw, would guarantee their NPFL status for next season without needing to rely on other results.
Concerns over Fair Play
There are also concerns about fair play in some of the final matches. Kano Pillars supporters believe the NPFL should closely monitor all Week 38 games to prevent any form of match manipulation that could damage the league’s image.
There have been rumours in some quarters that certain clubs may not fully compete in their final matches. Such reports, though unconfirmed, have raised fears among football fans.
Many supporters also referenced the unexpected Week 36 outcome, where Abia Warriors FC suffered a 0–2 home defeat to Kun Khalifat FC, a result that some fans had reportedly anticipated before kick-off.
Looking ahead to the final round of fixtures, many believe that if the matches are played fairly and without controversy, Kano Pillars still have a realistic chance of avoiding relegation given how tight the standings remain.
Ultimately, the equation is straightforward for the four-time NPFL champions: they must avoid defeat in Jos.
Much will also depend on the leadership and experience of key players such as Ahmed Musa, Rabiu Ali, and Abdullahi Musa, who are expected to step up and guide the team through a decisive and high-pressure encounter.
Dr. Sabon Sara, a media and sports analyst, is with the Bayero University, Kano.
