Kano Pillars players and officials will receive cash bonuses if they get a result against Plateau United this weekend, following an announcement by the Kano State government on Tuesday.
The State Advisor on Youth Affairs and Sports, Sani Musa Danja, confirmed the incentive package in Kano ahead of Matchday 38, when Pillars travel to the New Jos Stadium to face Plateau United on May 24.
The stakes could not be higher. Kano Pillars currently sit 10th on the NPFL table with 48 points, while Plateau United are just one point behind them in 12th place on 47 points. A defeat for Pillars could open the door for Plateau to leapfrog them, putting Pillars in serious relegation danger with the season almost over.
Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists have already been confirmed as relegated, but two more clubs are still set to drop into the second tier — and Pillars cannot afford to be among them.
The timing of the government's gesture is significant. After a difficult run of away fixtures — Pillars have lost away at Ikorodu City, Kun Khalifat, and Bayelsa United in recent weeks — the backing from Kano State sends a clear message to the squad that they are not alone in this fight.
Pillars fans will be hoping the incentive sharpens the team's focus going into what is effectively a must-not-lose fixture. Avoid defeat in Jos, and Kano Pillars stay up.