NNL Super 8: Kano Pillars beat EFCC 1-0 in Opening Game

By Carol V. Utulu

Kano Pillars FC of Kano on Sunday defeated EFCC football club of Abuja 1-0 as the NNL Super 8 competition kicked off in Asaba.

The match, which was played in the maim bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, saw the two NNL Northern Conference teams attacking from the blast of the whistle.

Kano Pillars, marshalled by their captain, the veteran Rabiu Ali, dominated play, but failed to convert many of their chances at goal.

The first half ended in goalless, as the EFCC defence line kept out the Pillars attackers from getting a goal in the first half of the encounter.

However, on resumption of the second half, Kano Pillars pushed for goal, with long thrusts and counter attacks, which unsettled the EFCC defenders.

Pillars wasted no time as one of the numerous counter play finally paid off in the 2nd minute of the second half, following a swift counter play from the left flank.

Pillars’ Ibrahim Abdullahi tapped in from close range, after a shot at goal was deflected to his part to score the only goal of the game.

In an interview, Coach of Kano Pillars, Evans Ogenyi, told newsmen after the match that he was pleased with the performance of his team.

“You will agree with me that the game was highly competitive. The two teams came into the game with so much hunger for goal.

“I thank God for the victory, but as a team, we are not resting on this victory, we are going to take every game serious as they come.

“In our next match, we are going out for the maximum three points as if we have not won any game before. That is our spirit for this competition,” Ogenyi said.

On his part, Coach of EFCC FC, Kabiru Sani, commended his players for their fighting spirit and overall performance.

He said the players showed character and determination, but were unfortunate not to get a goal in the game.

“My players gave a good account of themselves, because we came into the game to win. They did their best so I appreciate their performance.

“For our next game, we will strategise, keep pushing and go for victory to make up for this loss,” Sani said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NNL Super 8 has eight participating teams with four each drawn from the Northern and Southern Conference of the NNL.

(NAN)