Kano Pillars FC succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against host Abia Warriors in their Matchday 4 clash of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season, at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday, no thanks to two first half goals fro Sunday Megwo and Emmanuel OgbuaguReports from the Abia Warriors media team indicated that the match kicked off with a lively pace, with both sides testing each other’s defensive organization. The four time Nigeria Premier Football League Champions came close to breaking the deadlock in the 13th minute when a powerful volley from veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali was expertly parried for a corner by the Abia Warriors goalkeeper.However, Abia Warriors capitalized on their first real opportunity of the game in the 16th minute. Sunday Megwo latched onto a loose ball inside the box and fired past Idreesu Ibrahim to give the home side a 1-0 lead.Kano Pillars fought back immediately, but Abia Warriors goalkeeper remained resolute, thwarting the visitors’ attacks. The pressure continued to mount on the visitors defense, and in the 37th minute, Emmanuel Ogbuagu doubled the home side’s lead. Despite a series of brilliant saves from Ibrahim, Abia Warriors eventually found the back of the net to make it 2-0.The first half ended with Kano Pillars trailing, despite multiple interventions by goalkeeper, Ibrahim, who kept his side in the game with several key saves.Pillars came out with renewed energy in the second half, making an early substitution as Mustapha Umar replaced Ugochukwu Gabriel. The change almost paid dividends immediately, with Umar narrowly missing the target in the 53rd minute, as his shot hit the side of the net.The Sai Masu Gida continued to pile on the pressure, with Umar once again coming close to reducing the deficit in the 59th minute, only to see his effort miss the mark from inside the 16-yard box. Moments later, Nelson Abiam’s long-range strike was tipped over for a corner by the Abia Warriors goalkeeper, further frustrating the visitors.As the match progressed, the Pyramid City side pressed forward in search of a way back. Rabiu Ali’s shot from outside the box in the 80th minute went well off target, while Auwalu Ali Malam saw his effort from distance rattle the woodwork, denying the visitors what could have been a crucial goal.Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Abia Warriors held firm to preserve their two-goal advantage. A yellow card was issued to Kano Pillars defender Ibrahim Inuwa for a foul in the 88th minute.After five minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle, confirming a 2-0 win for Abia Warriors.In his post-match reaction, Kano Pillars FC Technical Adviser, Usman Shariff Abdallah, congratulated Abia Warriors on securing the 3 points. He emphasized that his team is still in the rebuilding phase, with room for improvement, as he continues to assess his newly signed players and help them adapt to the team’s style of play.“Yes, we still have some areas to address because we’re in the process of building the team. We are constantly making adjustments and testing the players we’ve signed. This gives us a chance to see which players fit into our system. Over time, I believe we will come together and form a solid team.”On the game against Sunshine Stars next weekend, the former Super Eagles assistant coach stated that the focus has now shifted to the upcoming game, noting that securing 3 points against Sunshine Stars is essential for both him and his players.The four-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions will host Sunshine Stars of Akure next weekend in Match Day 5.
