NPFL: Kano Pillars defeat Akwa United FC in week-12

Kano Pillars FC defeated Akwa United FC 1-0 to compound the woes of the struggling former Nigerian champions in the 2023/2024 NPFL season.

The only goal of the Nigeria Premier Football League week-12 fixture arrived in the sixth minute.

Mustapha Umar volleyed home a cross to gift Pillars the lead at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

That early goal was enough to gift the hosts victory in the Nigerian top-flight, despite the efforts from Fatai Osho tutored Promise Keepers who are struggling for points following a difficult start to the season.

Akwa United FC did not go down without a challenge in Kano. Striker Uche Collins thought he had levelled the score in the 75th minute but his effort was chalked off for offside.

Former Pillars forward, Wiliams Sunday who got a rare start on Wednesday evening tested Muhammed Galadima in the 20th minute but saw his effort pushed away for a corner-kick.

Wisdom Ndon got on the end of the corner-kick but could not direct his effort on-goal as the Promise Keepers toiled for goals.

Akwa United FC goalkeeper Badmos Nurudeen made a superb one-handed save to deny in-form Yusuf Abdullahi a chance to double his sides advantage on the half-hour mark.

Nurudeen was again called into action in the 34th minute to deny Muhammad Umar’s goal-bound attempt.

In the 38th minute, Williams Sunday was agian denied by goalkeeper Galadima.

Legendary Kano Pillars skipper, Rabiu Ali had a great effort saved in the second half as the hosts settled into the game, to limit Akwa United FC’s push for an equalizer as the clock ticked towards the 90′.

Coach Abdul Maikaba tutored Pillars held on to seal a 1-0 win , consolidation after a 2-5 away win in Gombe, last weekend.

For Akwa United FC, the toil will continue in week-13 at home vs Lobi Stars FC.

Coach Fatai Osho and his men are currently sitting precariously in the drop-zone with eleven points from twelve matches this season.