Kano Pillars secure their first win in three games as Ahmed Musa scores a brace to overcome Sunshine Stars at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina.
Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa marked his return with an inspiring performance, scoring twice as Kano Pillars FC defeated Sunshine Stars of Akure 2-0 on Match Day 5 of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The match played at the club’s adopted home ground on Sunday, saw Musa lead the team to a well-deserved victory, which brought much-needed relief after back-to-back losses.
Kano Pillars began the game on a positive note, with Ahmed Musa taking only four minutes to open the scoring. Musa received a pinpoint pass from Mustapha Umar before unleashing a superb strike from outside the box, giving the Sunshine Stars goalkeeper no chance.
The hosts kept pressing, with Umar narrowly missing a chance to double the lead in the 20th minute, but his shot was saved by the keeper.
Veteran Rabiu Ali also came close with a free-kick, but it was easily gathered by the opposing goalkeeper.
As the first half drew to a close, Zulkifilu Muhammad set up Auwalu Ali, who fired his shot off target. The referee added three minutes of stoppage time, but no further goals were scored.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars picked up right where they left off, with Musa adding his second goal just six minutes into the second half. Musa was perfectly positioned to slot home a low cross, effectively doubling Kano Pillars’ lead.
The hosts had a chance to extend their lead further when they were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute after a Sunshine Stars defender handled the ball in the box. Musa stepped up, but his shot rattled off the post, missing the opportunity for a hat-trick.
Despite the missed penalty, Kano Pillars continued to control the game, with goalkeeper Idreesu Ibrahim making a spectacular save to deny Sunshine Stars any chance of getting back into the match.
In the 84th minute, fresh legs were introduced as Bright and Sudais came on for Zulkifilu and Malam, maintaining the momentum until the final whistle.
Technical Adviser Usman Sherrif Abd’Allah praised his team’s performance: “I’m satisfied with how the players performed today. It shows that we’re capable of regrouping and winning again. It’s still early in the season, but I believe we’ll continue to improve.”
Ahmed Musa also expressed his happiness at returning to Kano Pillars, crediting the fans for their support: “I’m glad to be back in the NPFL and to contribute to my team’s success. Playing here feels special, and I hope to keep making our supporters proud.”
Kano Pillars will have a double-header away as they travel to face Akwa United in the South-South, followed by a midweek clash with Rangers in the South-East.
With Musa’s return injecting new energy into the team, the four-time Nigerian champions are optimistic about their upcoming fixtures.
Eagles Tracker: Mixed fortunes for Super Eagles’ stars across European clubs
By Tunde Liadi
Super Eagles’ Ola Aina played for 90 minutes for Nottingham Forest in their 1-1 draw at the Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in one of the English Premier League games played last weekend.
Aina put in a good shift in his seventh game of the season but his compatriot, Taiwo Awoniyi was benched in the encounter. He has only played four league games this season.
In Spain, Sevilla pipped Real Betis 1-0 in a La Liga tie with Chidera Ejuke playing his eighth game of the season. Ejuke was on for 90 minutes while Kelechi Iheanacho with five games till date was left on the bench.
In France, Gift Orban was not dressed for the Lyon’s 2-0 home victory over Nantes who started the game with Moses Simon.
Simon was substituted in the 73rd minute in his seventh game of the season.
In another tie, Nice were held to a 1-1 by reigning champions, Paris Saint Germain. Super Eagles attacker, Terem Moffi who is still recuperating from injury his yet to recover from his knee injury.
In another French topflight tie, Reims thrashed Montpellier 4-2 with Akor Adams playing his seventh game of the season with three goals. He was yellow carded in the 37th minute.
In Germany, Kevin Akpoguma’s Hoffenheim were held to a 1-1 draw by VfB Stuttgart. Akpoguma who has played in six games this season played for the 90 minutes.
In Turkey, Victor Osimhen is still out injured but Galatasaray managed to win their game 1-0.
Chuba Akpom notched his second goal of the season in Ajax’s 3-1 victory at home to FC Groningen.
In Spain, Umar Sadiq was an unused substitute for Real Sociedad in their 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid.
