Pillars’ free fall continues; Abia Warriors dethrone Nasarawa Utd

Former Nigerian champions Kano Pillars’ free fall in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season continued yesterday after another defeat at Enyimba FC who piped them 2-0 in the week 11 fixture played at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. Pillars were hoping to bounce back from the last 0-2 home defeat to Nigeria […]

Former Nigerian champions Kano Pillars’ free fall in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season continued yesterday after another defeat at Enyimba FC who piped them 2-0 in the week 11 fixture played at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

Pillars were hoping to bounce back from the last 0-2 home defeat to Nigeria Tornadoes but it was another misery on the road as the former African champions scored two first half goals to pocket the maximum points in front of their supporters.

Bassey John opened the scoring for Enyimba in the 29th minute before Ezekiel Edidiong doubled the lead in the 35th minute, to ensure that the “Peoples Elephants” returned to winning ways after back-to-back defeats to Warri Wolves and Plateau United.

In Minna, Abia Warriors who suffered an early exit in this year’s Confederation Cup stunned home side Niger Tornadoes 2-1 to climb to the top of the table with 21 points, dislodging Nasarawa United who suffered a slim 0-1 loss at Rivers United to drop to second on the table with 19 points.

Abia Warriors’ victory was aided by Tornadoes’ defender Sunday Akinmoladun’s own goal in the first minute of first half added minutes, restoring the visitors’ lead.

The mishap occurred after Sunday Megwo’s opener in the 38th minute. Abdulrasheed Dabai scored Tornadoes consolation goal in the 54th minute.
In Kano, Barau FC’s underwhelming performance continued after visiting Wikki Tourists forced them to another goalless at home.

The clash between El-Kanemi Warriors and Enugu Rangers also ended 0-0 in Maiduguri, just as katsina United forced 3SC to a 1-1 draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium Ibadan.

In the battle of privately owned clubs, the more experienced Ikorodu City edged newcomers Kun Khalifat 2-0 to move to 15th position with 12 points. Christian Chidera Oparaocha and Dagogo Ibifubara scored a goal in each half for Ikorodu City to move to third position with 18 points.

Meanwhile, after playing 10 matches, Kano Pillars who fired Coach Evans Ogenyi over poor performance, and replaced him with Mohammed Babaganaru, are rooted to the bottom of the table with a paltry five points out of a possible 30.