By Abdul Raheem
Kano Pillars 1-0 win on Wednesday inflicted a second defeat of the season to Rivers United and halting their aspiration to reclaim top spot after six matches of the 2020/21 season of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Pillars struck early from a goal mouth scramble when Nwagua Nyima took advantage of a mixup between Theophilus Afelokhai in Rivers United’s goal and his defence, to slot in the only goal of the day.
All efforts by Rivers United to equalise were abortive despite the home side playing the last 40 minutes of the game with 10 men after Abbass Rabiu was shown the red card for attempting to use his hand to score. Abbass was already on the referee’s book and faced a straight red card.
The Sai Masu Gida side are playing their home matches away from Kano are doing all they could to make their adopted home in Kaduna a fallow ground to opponents and this so far has worked as they limited the visitors to just a shot on goal.
Rivers United were likely a victim of fatigue having had to make the long road trip to and from Benin Republic for their CAF Confederation tie against South African side, Bloemfontein.
Pillars head coach, Emmanuel Lionel Soccia commended his players for giving their best to secure a win in such a difficult match.
For Coach Stanley Eguma of Rivers United, they lost the game due to the carelessness of the defence and Pillars’ resilience.
Match details:
Kano Pillars Fc Team list
Idris Ibrahim 1.
Victor Dennis 27.
Fahad Usman 30.
Abdullahi Musa 5.
Ndasi Denis Kadiang 2.
Auwalu Ali Malam 17.
Achibi Nwenike 29.
Nwagua Nyima 28.
Yusuf Bala Maigoro 31.
Rabi’u Ali (c) 10.
Abbas Rabi’u 33.
Reserve
Joshua Enaholo 12.
Munkaila Musa 6.
Ike Chinedu 4.
Usman Babalola 13.
Nasiru Sani 3.
Umar Hassan 38.
Emmanuel Anyanwu 14.
Bright Silas 16.
T/A… Emmanuel Lionel Soccia
CC.. Ibrahim A. Musa.
C.. Ahmad Garba Yaro Yaro.
G/T… Muzammil Aliyu.
Signed by MO. Lurwanu Idris Malikawa.
Rivets United Team list
30- Theophilus Afelokhai
6- Kazie Enyinnaya
3- Konan Ruffin
24-Desmond Agbekpornu
5- Ifeanyi Anaemena
14- Fabian Nworie
2- Godwin Aguda
9- Stephen Gopey
7- Fortune Omoniwari
4- Kehinde Adedipe
15- Bamba Bakary
Substitutes
1- Akande Abiodun
8- Esor Nelson Okwa
10- Destiny Ashadi
19- Festus Austin
20- Joseph Onoja
23- Bobby Clement
26- Kunle Odunlami
32- Naziru Auwalu
35- Kingsley Patrick
TA: Stanley Eguma
Man of the match; Kano Pillars legend, Rabiu Ali was voted man of the match for his control of the midfield and holding off the visitors to ensure victory for the Said Masu Gida.
Cautions:
Pillars Abbass Rabiu was booked in the first half for misconduct. He was however sent off the match on 52 minute. Pillars assistant coach, Ahmed Yaroyaro also bagged yellow card for misconduct. Rivers United defender, Konan Ruffin was booked for misconduct.
Match Statistics: Pillars/Rivers Utd
Shots 5/3
Shots on target 3/1
Corners 4/2
Fouls 11/10
Free kicks 11/13
Offsides 2/1
Saves 1/1
Yellow cards 1/1
Red cards 1/0
Penalties 0/0
Goals 1/0
