NPFL Review: Ahmed Musa’s Strike Lifts Kano Pillars, Enyimba Saved by Late Penalty in Lafia
Abia Warriors drop points again as Rangers fall in Jos
Ahmed Musa proved the match winner on Wednesday for struggling Kano Pillars, who edged Katsina United 1-0 in a tense Northwest Derby.
The former Super Eagles captain, now also serving as Pillars’ general manager, struck in the 72nd minute to secure the decisive goal. The victory lifted Pillars to 18th place in the NPFL standings with 25 points from 23 matches, just one point away from safety.
Musa led the team as captain, while Williams Ayuba Yikat made his first start in midfield alongside Olakunle Akala and Rabiu Ali. Yusuf Bala Maigoro and Jibrin Yusuf also featured, stepping in for the injured Muhammad Aminu and suspended Suleiman Idris.
Elsewhere in the NPFL, Enyimba avoided a tenth defeat of the season thanks to a 73rd-minute penalty from Kalu Nweke, which earned them a 1-1 draw against Nasarawa United in Lafia.
The Solid Miners had taken the lead in the 69th minute through Jofrank Istifanus, but the People’s Elephant responded swiftly to salvage a point. Enyimba have now drawn two and lost two of their last four games.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors once again failed to capitalize on home advantage, drawing 1-1 with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.
Chukwuemeka Obioma gave the hosts the lead in the 52nd minute, but Abubakar Taheer equalized five minutes later to ensure the visitors left with a share of the spoils.
Meanwhile in Jos, Rangers International of Enugu saw their winning run halted as they fell 2-1 to Plateau United.
Vincent Temitope opened the scoring for the hosts in the 16th minute, but Rangers equalized in the 28th. Temitope, however, struck again from the penalty spot in the 39th minute to seal victory and boost Plateau United’s fight against relegation.
