Wikki 2-1 Pillars
Promise Damala came off the bench to score a brace for Wikki Tourist to beat visitiing Kano Pillars 2-1.
Damala believes that his man-of-the-match performance will mark a turn around for him this season following his fall in the pecking order for first team selection.
Pillars were the first to score when Wikki Tourists Ebuka Aneakwe conceded a corner kick even when he was not under pressure.
Ismail Mohammed corner met Abdullahi Musa who headed to Gabriel Jeremiah for another nod that gave the visitors the lead.
Last season, Damala enjoyed regular playing time but has been left on the bench under new coach Kabiru Dogo. He has played only four times this season and all as a substitute.
Speaking to www.npfl.ng, Damala voiced out his frustrations at being left out and hoped his performance against the Sai Masu Gida will convince the coach to give him more playing time.
‘Its really not easy having been used to playing always but this season you are coming in to play few minutes, its really not easy but I believe that this game will be a turn up for event for me”, Damala remarked at the end of the match.
Kabiru Dogo made two changes six minutes into the half with Manu Garba and Chigoziem coming in for Aliyu and Ibrahim. Not satisfied, few minutes later, another double change was made, this time Damala and Anas Yusuf came in.
It took little time for the duo of Damala and Manu to show understanding and their work rate upfront caused the visitors defence jitters.
Damala’s pace saw him scoring an individual goal and two minutes later, he added the second, thanks to a Manu Garba’s cross.
“When you are on the bench you have the zeal, passion and desire to come and change the game but it is not easy when you come in because you always want to be part of the game while other players have already warmed up, so it becomes very difficult to catch up”, Damala said at the pitch side.
The loss is a blow to Pillars after losing their last game, at home to Plateau United and were hoping to get something from this match.
Next match day sees Wikki away to Shooting Stars while Pillars will host Abia Warriors at their adopted home in Kaduna.
Wikki Tourist team.
Galadima Mohammed, Salisu Adamu, Taiye Murtala, Ebuka Aneakwe, Fuad Ekelejioti(Promise Damala 61′)(Evans Ifeatu 90+3′), Abdulrahman Bashir(Anas Yusuf 61′), Victor Okoro, Nazifi Yahaya, Abubakar Aliyu(Manu Garba 51′), Nelson Abiam, Sale Ibrahim(Solomon Chigoziem 51′).
Sub not used
Sulaiman Salisu, Ismail Maiyaki, Sunday Haruna.
Yellow card: Abubakar Aliyu, Taiye Murtala.
Goal: Promise Damala. 72′ 74′
Kano Pillars team.
Idris Ibrahim, Mustapha Jibrin, Ismail Mohammed, Tamara Ezekiel, Abdullahi Musa, Timothy Danladi, Okon Aniemeke, Yusuf Bala(Rabiu Ali 70′), Gabriel Jeremiah(Saheed Abdulsalam 78′), Mark Daniel, Ifeanyi Eze(Saidu Salisu 78′).
Sub not used.
Joshua Enaholo, Fahad Usman, Shehu Musa, Abdullahi Adamu, Umar Hassan, Wilson Ikechi.
Yellow card: Yusuf Bala Maigoro.
Goal: Gabriel Jeremiah 15′
