Rita Odafe
Football reigns supreme in Nigeria, but when it comes to player salaries, the figures reveal a different story, particularly in 2024. Kano Pillars, being a leading club in the Nigerian League, does offer some competitive salaries, yet they seem modest given their participation in prestigious tournaments like the AFC.
Fans are often left curious about the salaries of Kano Pillars players. This article aims to shed light on their earnings while providing an overview of the financial landscape in Nigerian football. Join us as we explore this fascinating topic.
Overview of Kano Pillars
Kano Pillars is a prominent football club in Nigeria, having commenced its professional journey in 1990. Over the years, they have secured the title of state champions four times, with their first victory recorded in the 2007/2008 season.
Numerous players have transitioned to international leagues from Kano Pillars, including notable figures like Ahmed Musa, who played for Leicester City in the English Premier League. However, it’s crucial to note that salaries in Nigerian football are significantly lower than those found in European or top Asian leagues.
Given Kano Pillars’ stature as one of Nigeria’s most recognized clubs and their fifth-ranking in national titles, one might expect their players’ earnings to reflect this prestige. We will delve deeper into this intriguing question.
Kano Pillars 2024/2025 Roster
To accurately assess player salaries at Kano Pillars, it’s essential to review the squad for the 2024 season. According to Transfermarkt, the current team valuation exceeds $500,000, thanks to a mix of seasoned players.
The team’s captain, the 44-year-old Rabiu Ali, reportedly earns approximately $1,900 each month. However, the club’s media officer indicated that no player is contracted to a weekly salary surpassing NGN 800,000.
The roster also includes veterans like 40-year-old goalkeeper Bassey Akpan, alongside Ibrahim Iddrisu and Abdullahi Shehu. It’s likely that younger players are approaching the NGN 800,000 salary bracket as well.
Pooled Earnings in the NPL
To grasp the salary situation for Kano Pillars players and Nigerian football in general, the Nigerian Premier League serves as an ideal reference. Our research indicates that most NPL clubs offer top salary packages ranging from NGN 380,000 to NGN 480,000 for their leading players.
Top-tier clubs, including Kano Pillars, offer comparatively higher salaries, with values between NGN 680,000 and NGN 800,000. This suggests that no player from Kano Pillars is likely earning beyond NGN 800,000.
The disparity in earnings across Africa indicates that player wages in Nigerian football trail behind those in Asia, Europe, and America. Though it’s a well-known fact, it’s expected that modernization and the influence of online betting will enhance salary standards in the future.
Player Salaries at Kano Pillars
As we explore the salary dynamics at Kano Pillars, past reports indicate that former striker Gambo Mohammed earned NGN 850,000 monthly, the highest salary recorded for the club thus far.
While there have been rumors of Rabiu Ali receiving up to NGN 1.2 million monthly, the actual confirmed details reveal that Bassey Akpan was awarded roughly NGN 900,000 monthly after a payout due to unpaid wages was mandated by the Players’ Status and Arbitration Committee in 2023.
Understanding the Salary Landscape in the NPL
On average, player earnings in Nigerian club football are modest, falling between NGN 150,000 and NGN 200,000. There are, of course, standout players whose salaries elevate the average to around NGN 380,000 or slightly above, but this is still minor compared to global football earnings.
Despite the low base salaries, the top performers can secure higher earnings of up to NGN 1.2 million through various bonuses and incentives. Rabiu Ali’s earlier reported salary reflects this, marking it as one of the better compensations in the NPL.
It’s clear that these figures remain far behind those found in the world’s most elite leagues. However, it’s important to remember that the NPL was once dismissed as an amateur league until clubs like Kano Pillars began to achieve success on the continental stage.
With growing sponsorship opportunities, there’s hope for significant salary increases for NPL players in the near future. Key partnerships with betting companies like Eunisell and Bet9ja are setting the foundation for enhanced financial growth. Interested individuals can explore options with major bookmakers like through the Hollywoodbets register.
Conclusion
Now that you’re more informed about the salaries of Kano Pillars players for the 2024/2025 season, it’s evident that while the current figures may persist, there’s optimism for improvement in the coming years.
With an increase in sponsorship agreements both nationally and internationally, aspiring players within the NPL could anticipate salary enhancements soon. Additionally, veteran players, exemplified by Rabiu Ali’s situation, demonstrate that there are still opportunities for decent pay.
