NPFL:Musa, Naziru Fire Pillars Back to Winning Ways As Lobi Stars Sink Deeper
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Four-time Nigeria Premier League champions, Kano Pillars FC, returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Sunday with a 2-0 triumph over Lobi Stars, piling more misery on the struggling Makurdi side. Goals from skipper Ahmed Musa and Naziru Auwalu were enough to seal maximum points for the Sai Masu Gida in a thrilling NPFL Matchday 33 encounter.
Coming into the game without a win in their last five outings, the Pyramid City side showed urgency from the blast of the whistle. Their high pressing and attacking flair dominated the opening 45 minutes, but despite multiple chances, the half ended goalless.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 55th minute after a moment of brilliance. Naziru Auwalu exploited space inside the Lobi Stars box and found Rabiu Ali, who delicately teed up Ahmed Musa to fire home his 7th goal of the season a composed finish that sent the home fans into wild celebration.
The hosts doubled their lead later in the game from the penalty spot. Naziru Auwalu stepped up and coolly converted, capping a fine individual display with a deserved goal.
The victory lifts the former champions to 7th on the NPFL standings with 47 points from 33 matches.
Up next, the Sai Masu Gida will travel to Aba for a blockbuster clash against Enyimba International in what is dubbed the ZOBIA Clásico a fierce rivalry that promises fireworks.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Technical Adviser Usman Sheriff Sidi Abdallah expressed satisfaction with the team’s response and remained optimistic about their continental hopes.
“We needed this win badly. It boosts the morale in the dressing room and sets the tone for the final stretch. We are not giving up on continental qualification. There’s still a lot to fight for,” he said.
With just five matches left in the season, the momentum could be shifting at just the right time for the Sai Masu Gida as they look to end the campaign on a high.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
