NPFL Super Six: Akwa Utd, Kano Pillars in stalemate 

Aiteo Cup champions Akwa United and Kano Pillars played out a barren draw on Wednesday in a second Group B match at the ongoing NPFL Invitational tournament at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The match was Akwa United’s second at the tournament and Pillars’ first.

The Promise Keepers needed an outright win to stand a chance of making it to the final, but the goalless draw leaves them with two points from two matches albeit with an outside chance of reaching Sunday’s final.

Coach Abdu Maikaba’s team put up an impressive showing against Pillars who defeated them 3-0 on Sunday in the final of the Ahlan Cup tournament.

The Uyo based side had their best chance towards the end of the first half when Danladi Isah made two quick saves to deny Cyril Olisema and Musa Newman while Ishmaila Shagari was at his best with some eye-catching saves.

In a game that clear cut goal scoring opportunities were few and far between, both teams threw men forward in search of the elusive goal but the front men lacked composure to kill off the game for their sides.

The Aiteo Cup champions will be interested in the outcome of the game between MFM and Kano Pillars on Friday. 

A win or a score draw will be good enough for MFM to progress to the final while Kano Pillars need to win the encounter to make it to the final. 

But if MFM and Kano Pillars play a goalless draw, then the organisers will determine the procedure to select which team between Akwa United and MFM that will play in the final.

All four matches in Group A and B of the tournament have ended in stalemates.