Kano Pillars technical adviser Mohammed Babaganaru has expressed confidence that the club will retain their Nigeria Premier Football League status when the season concludes, pointing to the final matchday clash with Plateau United as the defining moment.

His optimism follows Sunday's narrow but crucial 1-0 home win over Warri Wolves, which moved the four-time NPFL champions up to 10th place on the table with 48 points. Rabiu Ali was the match-winner, converting a penalty right on the stroke of half-time.

"We thank God for getting the maximum three points, and clean sheet as well. It was a good win for us," Babaganaru told reporters after the final whistle.

Pillars now travel to Jos on Matchday 38 for a season-ending fixture against Plateau United on May 24. The numbers make it straightforward — avoid defeat and the club stays up. A loss, depending on other results, could mean the drop.

What makes the trip to Jos particularly interesting is that Plateau United are themselves in danger. Babaganaru has noted the closeness of the situation, pointing out that their opponents sit on 47 points — just one behind Pillars going into the final round.

"Our next match is against Plateau United, and anything can happen. If you look at the table, Plateau United are also struggling. I think they have 47 points, while we have 48. Anything can happen like I said earlier until the end of the season," he said.

The Pillars boss was clear about where his squad's mindset is heading into the trip north. "We are focused, determined, and optimistic of surviving relegation by the last match of the season," he added.

He also had a direct message for the supporters: "Our fans must also remain calm, prayerful, and continue believing in us. God will definitely do it for us."

Sunday's result was a timely boost after a difficult run that included a 1-2 defeat away at Kun Khalifat just a week earlier. The Warri Wolves win steadied the ship at exactly the right moment, and now one more result in Jos is all that stands between Kano Pillars and another season in the top flight.