Kano Pillars FC made a powerful statement in their opening fixture of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ikorodu City. The match, played at their adopted home, the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina, saw the legendary captain Rabiu Ali produce a superb performance, scoring twice, while Mustapha Umar also found the net.
The match kicked off with both teams showing early signs of intent but struggling to break each other down in the opening stages. The first half was a largely cagey affair, with neither side able to create clear-cut chances. Ikorodu City, newly promoted to the NPFL, held their own defensively, frustrating Kano Pillars' attacking efforts.
Kano Pillars, however, almost broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Rabiu Ali stepped up to take a free kick from the edge of the box. His well-struck effort was parried by Ikorodu City's goalkeeper, denying the home side a crucial opener. Despite several attempts to push forward, the two teams entered the break locked in a goalless stalemate.
Kano Pillars returned for the second half with renewed purpose. Head coach Usman Abdallah made a tactical switch, introducing Mustapha Umar and Yusuf Bala Maigoro in place of Sudais Ali Baba and Usman Maidubuji. The changes had an immediate effect as the home side began to dominate possession and carve out more opportunities in the final third.
Their persistence paid off in the 59th minute when Mustapha Umar, fresh off the bench, rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Zulkifilu Muhammed, powering a header past the Ikorodu City goalkeeper to break the deadlock. It was a moment of relief for the home supporters as Kano Pillars finally took control of the game.
With the momentum firmly in their favour, Kano Pillars continued to press forward, and just ten minutes later, captain, Rabiu Ali, stepped up to double their lead. After a surging run towards the box, Ali was brought down by an Ikorodu City defender. The resulting free kick, positioned just outside the box, was expertly curled into the top corner by Ali, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
The veteran midfielder, Rabiu Ali, was not finished yet. In the 79th minute, he showcased his class once again, picking up the ball outside the box and driving forward before unleashing a powerful shot that flew past the Ikorodu City goalkeeper. The strike put the game beyond any doubt and capped off an outstanding individual performance from the Pillars captain.
Post-Match Analysis
Kano Pillars FC's second-half display was a testament to their quality and experience, with Rabiu Ali’s leadership and brilliance shining through. The substitutions by coach Usman Abdallah proved decisive, as Mustapha Umar’s goal opened up the game and allowed Pillars to assert their dominance. Speaking after the match, Abdallah praised his team's tactical execution, particularly in the second half.
"It's the beginning of the season, and we have some players that are not yet fully fit, but I have to commend the team for putting up such a spirited performance. Playing our first home match of the season away from home on a neutral ground is never easy, but the boys showed great resilience," Abdallah said.
Rabiu Ali, who bagged two goals, also expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and emphasized the importance of starting the season on a positive note. "It's always good to score, but what matters most is that we started the season with three points. We’ll keep working hard and take it one game at a time," said Ali.
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