Appraising Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s promises for Kano Pillars

By Dr Nura Garba Sabonsara

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State recently held a pivotal meeting with the players, technical crew, management, and stakeholders of the Kano Pillars Football Club, during which he made a series of promising commitments aimed at restoring the club’s former glory.

Historically, the Kano Pillars Football Club has been a dominant force in Nigerian football, having won the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) four times. This achievement ranks them as the best club in Northern Nigeria and the third best in the country, behind Enyimba (nine titles) and Rangers (six titles). However, in recent years, the club’s dominance has waned, culminating in their relegation in the 2021/2022 NPFL season.

Fortunately, Kano Pillars spent only one season in the Nigerian National League (NNL) before securing promotion back to the elite NPFL, alongside their arch-rivals, Katsina United. As the current NPFL season nears its conclusion, with only three matches remaining, a renewed sense of optimism surrounds the club. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, after evaluating the team’s current situation, has pledged to transform Kano Pillars into a formidable force in the NPFL once again.

Governor Yusuf has assured that the players’ allowances will no longer be delayed and that they will be provided with the best kits and boots available, a significant upgrade from their current equipment. Additionally, he announced plans to construct an ultra-modern clubhouse and purchase new buses to facilitate team movement and improve overall welfare.

Moreover, the Governor has promised to sponsor air travel for the team when they need to play matches in distant southern regions of Nigeria, such as Lagos and Abia. These commitments have been warmly received by fans and sports enthusiasts in Kano State, who view them as a beacon of hope for restoring Kano Pillars to their former prestige.

In my opinion, it is imperative that Governor Yusuf fulfills all these promises. In Kano, almost every football follower is a fan of Kano Pillars, and revitalizing the club is akin to bolstering his political support within the state.

Beyond these promises, there is an urgent need to renovate the deteriorating Sani Abacha Stadium to meet modern standards. Built in 1998 by the late President Sani Abacha, the stadium has not undergone significant repairs since its inception. Many other stadiums in Nigeria are far superior, which is why the Nigerian Football Federation rarely considers it for international matches.

Renovating the stadium should involve installing a digital scoreboard, functional toilets, modern dressing rooms, upgraded VIP stands, and replacing the entire pitch with natural grass. Additionally, a functional sound system is necessary for commentary, announcements, and playing the national anthem and Kano Pillars songs. These improvements would significantly alter the current negative perceptions of the stadium.

The Board of Kano Pillars should collaborate with the Honourable Commissioner of Sports, the Kano Pillars Fans Club, and the management to identify the immediate and long-term needs of the club. Together, they should develop a comprehensive proposal to present to Governor Yusuf.

Kano Pillars should also explore other avenues to boost the club’s image, such as enhancing its marketing department, improving its recruitment policy, and seeking partnerships, collaborations, and sponsorships. Governor Yusuf should occasionally visit the stadium during Kano Pillars matches to show his support for the players, board, management, and fans. This would strengthen the relationship between the Governor and the club.

The management of Kano Pillars should begin preparations for the next season immediately after the current one concludes. This proactive approach will help identify the immediate needs in terms of player signings and technical crew adjustments. The team needs to recruit experienced and high-quality players to strengthen the current squad.

Furthermore, the club must enhance its international visibility through an improved website and active social media presence. This will not only boost its visibility but also improve its ranking and status among African clubs.

As Kano Pillars approach their final three matches against Kwara United and Plateau United (both away) and Lobi Stars at home, as well as the semi-final of the Federation Cup against Abia Warriors and a potential final against Elkanemi Warriors or Kebbi United, it is crucial for the management to leverage Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s promises to elevate the club’s standards in every aspect.

 Sabonsara is a sports analyst,  commentator and sports communication specialist

 You can reach him via garbanbuk@gmail.com