Despite missing the inspirational presence of Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, on match day, Kano Pillars strengthened their likelihood of emerging as Nigerian premier league kings by beating Dakkada FC 2-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium at the weekend.
The Sai Masu Gida defeated the Uyo-based side to continue their drive for the Nigeria Professional Football League title on Sunday after defeating Dakkada FC 2-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Pillars’ quest of emerging champions had suffered a huge blow following a 1-0 defeat at Sunshine Stars in their last outing. But against the Uyo-based outfit, they returned to winning ways by securing all points at stake without the presence of their inspirational captain, Ahmed Musa.
Rabiu Ali shot Kano Pillars into the lead after 38 minutes and two minutes later, Ebuka David doubled their advantage to go into the half-time break with a two-goal cushion.
Despite frantic moves by the visiting Akwa Ibom side to make comeback, they were unable to beat goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo in the Pillars goal. At the end of 90 minutes, Coach Danlami Kwasau and his wards returned home with heads bowed.
With this win, Coach Ibrahim Musa-led Pillars climbed to third on the table having accrued 58 points from 33 games, three points behind leaders Akwa United who occupy the summit of the NPFL table.
Kennedy Boboye’s Promise Keepers stuttered in the title race having been held to a 1-1 draw Rivers United, who are currently ranked fifth.
After a goalless first-half at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port-Harcourt, Akwa United took the lead in the 53rd minute through Atshimene Charles.
However, Stanley Eguma’s team ensured that the game ended on a no-winner, no vanquished, thanks to Bamba Bakari’s effort three minutes from full-time.
Kano Pillars is expected to continue their chase for a fifth Nigerian elite division crown when they travel to keep a date with Enugu Rangers on July 21.
Meanwhile, reports filtering in from close associates of Ahmed Musa, indicate the former Leicester City player may be heading out of the country soon to join forces with a yet-to-be-named Turkish elite division team.
RESULTS AT A GLANCE
Adamawa United 0-0 Sunshine Stars
Enyimba International 2-1 Jigawa Golden Stars
Heartland FC 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Kano Pillars 2-0 Dakkada FC
Katsina United 1-1 Lobi Stars
Nasarawa United 1-0 MFM FC
Plateau United 4-0 Ifeanyi Ubah FC
Rivers United 1-1 Akwa United
Warri Wolves 1-0 Kwara United
Wikki Tourist 1-0 Abia Warriors
