Ahmed Musa decides northern derby as Pillars down Katsina Utd
The Northern Derby once again belonged to Kano Pillars as the four-time Nigerian champions edged Katsina United 1–0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in the match day 23 of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) underlining their long-standing dominance in one of the league’s fiercest regional rivalries. Captain Ahmed Musa proved decisive, calmly converting […]
Ahmed Musa
The Northern Derby once again belonged to Kano Pillars as the four-time Nigerian champions edged Katsina United 1–0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in the match day 23 of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) underlining their long-standing dominance in one of the league’s fiercest regional rivalries.
Captain Ahmed Musa proved decisive, calmly converting in the 72nd minute after sustained second-half pressure, sealing all three points for the Sai Masu Gida.
Historically, encounters between Kano Pillars and Katsina United have favoured the Kano side, particularly at home, where Pillars have rarely dropped points against their neighbours.
Katsina United arrived hoping to disrupt that trend, but despite a disciplined first-half showing that ended goalless, Musa’s experience ultimately told.
The result lifts the Kano-based side temporarily from 20th to 18th place on the table, with 25 points from 23 matches, as they continue their battle to move clear of the relegation zone.
Elsewhere on a busy NPFL matchday, Plateau United secured an impressive 2–1 victory over Rangers International in Jos. Vincent Temitope gave the hosts an early lead before Chidiebere Nwobodo restored parity for the visitors. However, Plateau United’s intensity paid off as they found the winner to claim maximum points against a side they have often matched evenly in recent seasons.
At the Pantami Stadium, Nasarawa United were held to a 1–1 draw by Enyimba FC in a contest that reflected the closely fought nature of their past meetings. JoFrank Istifanus put the Solid Miners ahead in the 69th minute, but Enyimba’s pedigree showed as Kalu Nweke equalised from the penalty spot four minutes later, preserving a valuable away point for the People’s Elephant.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors and Wikki Tourists also shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw. After a cagey opening, Taheer Abubakar struck to cancel out the hosts’ advantage, continuing a trend of tight results between both sides, who have often struggled to separate themselves in recent head-to-head clashes.
Abia Warriors are now without a win in two matches, while their visitors remain unbeaten over the same period.
Attention now turns to another full slate of fixtures today, highlighted by a double derby narrative. Bayelsa United host Niger Tornadoes in an early kickoff, while Kun Khalifat FC welcome Kwara United. The Southwestern Derby headlines the evening as Ikorodu City face Shooting Stars, with Warri Wolves also set to battle league leaders Remo Stars.