By Abdul Raheem
Nwagua Nyima’s 9th minute strike against visiting Sunshine Stars FC of Akure on Wednesday was enough to take Kano Pillars FC to the top of the table in one of the Matchday 12 ties of the 2020/2021 NPFL season.
Pillars dominated the early proceedings playing with poise and purpose from the beginning, but it was Sunshine Stars who had the first shot at goal at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
Spurred by the move, the Sai Masu Gida took the cue, as captain Ali Rabiu took the game’s first corner kick linking up Nwagua Nyima whose header took slight deflection before nestling in the Sunshine Stars net beyond goalkeeper Uche Okafor.
The goal changed the game as both sides became more businesslike. Pillars attempt to increase the tally saw David Ebuka driving into the opposition box but shot wide. The visiting Aketi Boys had some chances to equalise with Habib Yakubu having a clear sight of goal before shooting wide in the 33rd minute, five minutes later a wayward shooting ended another Sunshine attack.
Sunshine Stars made two forced changes due to injury to defender Emma James and striker, Fuad Ekelojuoti. Fuad was clear on goal when he clashed with Pillars keeper, Idris Ibrahim who came out to clear the ball outside the box. The striker couldn’t continue and had to be replaced.
Sunshine Stars substitute, Kolade Adeniji had another chance to equalise when he was left unmarked inside the box but can only head over the bar.
Speaking after the match, Pillars Coach, Ibrahim Musa expressed delight at maintaining the winning home streak. “I’m happy that we won another three points at home but it could have been better if we did not miss the three chances we had in the first half.”
Sunshine Stars Head Coach, Gbenga Ogunbote lamented the loss of concentration by his team that caused the goal. “It was unfortunate that we lost the two matches we played in Kaduna, we were not supposed to lose them. We lost today to a careless moment.”
Match details:
Kano Pillars FC Team List
1. Idris Ibrahim GK
36. Abdullahi Ali
11. Chris Madaki
32. Gerome Hechong
2 Ndasi Denis Kadiang
17. Auwalu Ali Malam
29. Achibi Ewenike (Usman Babalolo 69′)
28. Nwagua Nyima
31. Yusuf Bala Maigoro
10. Rabi’u Ali (c) (Ike Chinedu 84′)
24. David Ebuka (Umar Hassan 84′)
Substitutes
12. Joshua Enaholo
26. Sunday Chinedu
8. Mustapha Salisu
4. Ike Chinedu
13. Usman Babalolo
20. Mustapha Jibrin
38. Umar Hassan
33. Abbas Rabi’u
30. Fahad Usman
CC.. Ibrahim A. Musa.
C.. Ahmad Garba Yaro Yaro.
GT… Muzammil Aliyu.
MO. Lurwanu Idris Malikawa.
Sunshine Stars team list
23. Uche Okafor
2. Emmanuel James (Alaba Adeniyi 20′)
4. Habib Yakubu (Kolade Adeniji 56′)
5. Olawale Abisoye
7. Tolu Oluwole
9. Sadeeq Yusuf (Abiodun Joseph 78′)
12. Kehinde Adeyemi
16. Ebuka Akobundu
17. Waheed Adebayo
31. Tope Akande (C)
32. Fuad Ekelojuoti (Ajani Ibrahim 56′)
Substitutes
23. Henry Ayodele
3. Isiaka Oladuntoye
8. Kolade Adeniji
10. Sunday Abe
11. Abiodun Joseph
14. Ajani Ibrahim
25. Samuel Agba
29. Alaba Adeniyi
36. Ayo Adejubu
Coach: Gbenga Ogunbote
Man of the match; Kano Pillars Nwagua Nyima was voted man of the match for his work rate and untiring displays which culminated in the winning goal.
Cautions:
Two Sunshine players Habib Yakubu and captain Tope Akande were cautioned for rough play. Pillars’ Ndasi Denis Kadiand was also booked for foul play.
Match Statistics: Kano Pillars/Sunshine Stars
Shots 5/3
Shots on target 2/1
Corners 2/1
Fouls 11/17
Free kicks 20/12
Offsides 1/3
Saves 0/1
Yellow cards 1/2
Red cards 0/0
Penalties 0/0
Goals 1/0
