Kano Pillars stadium ‘reopens’ amidst NNL Relegation Playoffs

Posted : 03 August 2023

The 2022/2023 Nigeria National League relegation playoffs billed to get underway on August 7 in Kano will highlight the return of normal footballing activities at the Kano Pillars Stadium, Kano.

According to George Aluo, the Nigeria National League (NNL) Chairman, this development will more than anything thrill football freaks in the Groundnut City who had endured one full season without watching games at the Kano Pillars Stadium.

Recall that Kano Pillars Stadium was closed to football games last year following ugly developments that overshadowed Kano Pillars Premier League fixture against Katsina Utd. The ‘bitter’ clash came to a sad end at the 82th minute without any goal.

Kano Pillars were found culpable by the organisers, LMC, and were consequently handed a hefty N9m sanction.

Aside the hefty pay, the Sai Masu Gida-side were banished to the Abuja National Stadium for the remainder of their then season’s home games. Pillars were eventually relegated.

During their campaign in the second-tier league, NNL, during the 2022/2023 season, Pillars hosted their home games away from home.

They fought their way back into the Nigeria Premier League following success during the NNL Super 8 Playoffs in Asaba, Delta State.

Apparently as a dress rehearsal preparatory to the 2023/2024 domestic season and to reawaken the footballing consciousness of the Kano Pillars fans and supporters, Kano State Government opted to host the NNL Relegation playoffs.

Already, NNL officials have arrived Kano to tidy up things with Monday, August 7 as official kick off date just as draw for the playoffs is slated for Sunday, August 6. Four out of the eight participating clubs will earn the right to retain their NNL status with the last four on the final standings after the playoffs will drop down to the Nationwide League One, NLO.

Any of the eight clubs that fails to arrive Kano for the playoffs will lose their NNL status.

This follows reports that the affected club officials are opposed to holding the playoffs in Kano, citing alleged diphtheria cases in Kano.

But neither the Kano State Government nor Federal Government has declared Kano a ‘health risk’ nor has the National Emergency Agency issued a report to that effect.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian National League Emmanuel Atah, “The playoffs are going to hold as scheduled.

“We’re not aware of such and as we speak, NNL officials are already on ground in Kano for some days now.

“Neither Kano State Government through its Ministry of Health, nor the NFF or Federal Government through it Ministry of Health has reported any case of diphtheria in Kano,” the FCT FA Chairman concluded.

Kano Pillars stadium ‘reopens’ amidst NNL Relegation Playoffs

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