Kano Pillars will walk into one of the most important matches of their season on Sunday with no crowd watching. Plateau United have confirmed that their Matchday 38 clash at the New Jos Stadium will be played behind closed doors, citing security concerns. The announcement came through an official statement from the club on Friday.
The stakes could hardly be higher. Kano Pillars currently sit 10th on the NPFL table with 48 points, and a defeat on Sunday could drag them into the relegation places. Plateau United are just one point behind in 12th with 47 points, meaning Gbenga Ogunbote's side desperately need all three points to preserve their top-flight status.
Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists have already been confirmed as relegated, and two more clubs will follow them to the second tier before the curtain comes down on the season. Both Pillars and Plateau United know exactly what is on the line this weekend.
The timing of this fixture is particularly nerve-wracking for Pillars fans, especially after the club's recent away form gave little comfort. They were beaten 1-2 by Kun Khalifat on the road earlier this month. Avoiding defeat on Sunday is the minimum requirement — anything less and the situation becomes very uncomfortable indeed.
With no home supporters allowed inside the New Jos Stadium and no travelling Pillars fans permitted either, this one will be settled purely on the pitch. Pillars will need to dig deep and get the result that keeps them safe.