Shehu Adamu
Once a dominant force in Nigerian football, Kano Pillars Football Club (Sai Masu Gida) now struggles to find its footing — both on and off the pitch.
Once feared by opponents and adored by fans, the team’s recent performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have left supporters disillusioned and analysts questioning where it all went wrong.
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While players and coaches often bear the brunt of criticism, a closer look reveals that much of the blame lies with government mismanagement, inconsistent funding, and a lack of professional structure in the club’s administration.
POLITICS OVER PROFESSIONALISM:
For years, Kano Pillars has been run more like a government department than a professional football club.
Key appointments — from board members to technical staff — have too often been based on political loyalty rather than merit or experience in sports management.
This politicisation has stifled innovation and accountability, leaving the club trapped in a cycle of mediocrity.
Rather than implementing long-term development strategies, successive administrations have focused on short-term gains — usually ahead of political cycles — without addressing fundamental issues such as youth development, scouting, or infrastructure.
FUNDING WITHOUT STRATEGY:
The state government allocates substantial funds to the club each season, yet the results on the field suggest poor financial management.
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There is little transparency or auditing of how resources are utilised, from player welfare to logistics and training facilities.
While other clubs in the NPFL are gradually embracing private sponsorships and corporate partnerships, Kano Pillars continues to rely almost entirely on public funding — a model that is both unsustainable and outdated in modern football.
NEGLECT OF GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT:
Kano once boasted one of the richest football cultures in Nigeria, producing talents who went on to represent the country at international levels.
Today, that legacy is fading fast.
With little or no investment in local academies, feeder teams, or community leagues, the club has failed to build a steady pipeline of homegrown players who understand its culture and identity.
Instead, the team frequently resorts to last-minute signings and player rotations that disrupt cohesion.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND MOTIVATION GAPS:
Sani Abacha Stadium, the club’s home ground, remains in dire need of modernisation — from pitch quality to seating, medical facilities, and lighting.
Meanwhile, players face inconsistent salaries and bonuses, affecting morale and performance.
In today’s competitive football environment, motivation goes beyond passion; it requires professional treatment, incentives, and a sense of belonging.
THE WAY FORWARD:
If Kano Pillars is to reclaim its lost glory, the state government must rethink its role — shifting from direct control to regulatory and facilitative oversight.
The club needs a professional management board, insulated from political interference, and guided by a clear business model.
Encouraging public-private partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and fan-based ownership models could inject both accountability and financial stability.
Moreover, renewed investment in youth academies and grassroots football will ensure long-term sustainability.
Above all, the government must recognise that football is not just a political asset but an industry — one that thrives on professionalism, planning, and consistent support.
Until then, Kano Pillars may continue to struggle not because of a lack of talent, but because of the failure of leadership that has turned a once-proud football powerhouse into a shadow of its former self.
Shehu Adamu was the first official media officer of Kano Pillars Football Club appointed by the State Government from 2005 to 2010.
He was also a one-time Board member of the team in 2012. He served as a member of the then Kano State Football Association KSFA; representing the Kano Chapter of the Sports Writers Association SWAN