In a thrilling Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) match, Kano Pillars emerged triumphant with a 2-1 victory over visiting team, Heartland FC of Owerri, at the Sani Abacha Stadium. The game, which took place behind closed doors due to sanctions imposed on Pillars, saw the home team’s midfielder, Suleiman Idris, open the scoring in the 47th minute. The lead was later doubled by Rabiu Ali, who successfully converted a penalty in the 85th minute, before Clement Ogbobe salvaged a goal for the visitors with a well-executed free kick in added time.
Following this important win, Kano Pillars concluded the first half of the league in fifth place with 32 points from 19 games. Looking ahead, they are scheduled to face Heartland FC once again after the break, in what promises to be an eagerly anticipated rematch.
After the game, Heartland FC coach, Chris Obi, commended both teams for a spirited performance and acknowledged the tough nature of the match. He emphasized the need for Heartland to regroup and improve their performance in the upcoming games, highlighting the unpredictability of the league and the determination to finish strong.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars’ assistant coach, Abubakar Musa, expressed his satisfaction with his players’ performance, attributing the hard-earned victory to rigorous training and sheer determination. He underlined the significance of the win in boosting the team’s confidence as they set their sights on making a lasting impact in the next phase of the league.
As the NPFL continues to unfold, the league’s open nature underscores the exciting prospects for both Kano Pillars and Heartland FC, reaffirming the relentless pursuit of success in every fixture.
