Kano Pillars faced a challenging situation during their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Northwest derby against Katsina United on Sunday, as key players like Ahmed Musa and midfielder Sheu Abdullahi were unable to participate.
Ahmed Musa was sidelined due to a knock, following a precautionary MRI scan that led doctors to recommend rest to prevent further injury. Abdullahi, on the other hand, had family commitments that required his presence in Sokoto.
Despite these absences, Kano Pillars secured a commendable 1-0 victory at the packed Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, maintaining their position just seven points behind league leaders Remo Stars— with a game in hand— showcasing the team’s resilience.
The absence of veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali, along with Adams Aminu and Abiam Nelson, who are currently training with the home-based Eagles in Ikenne, posed a challenge. However, the coaching staff, led by Usman Abdallah, made strategic decisions that paid off.
Coach Abdallah noted the remarkable contribution of fringe players who stepped up in this crucial match. “When I joined the team, about 70 percent of the squad had transitioned, and due to time constraints, I called up around six players from the Kano Pillars Junior team, registering them for the match. Their performance was a pleasant surprise for both the team and our opponents,” the coach said as quoted by the Punch.
Abdallah expressed pride in the team’s ability to perform well under pressure, emphasizing the bright future for Kano Pillars, particularly with so many debutants contributing to the success.
Currently, Kano Pillars sit in seventh place in the NPFL standings. Their next challenge awaits as they prepare to face 3SC in Ibadan on Sunday, looking to build on their recent momentum.