Club legend Ahmed Musa scored the decisive goal as Kano Pillars F.C. secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Barau FC in their Matchday 29 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday.
The hard-fought win at the Sai Masu Gida’s home ground ensured all three points for the Kano side, who produced a dominant display but had to rely on Musa’s second-half strike to break the resistance of their visitors.
Kano Pillars began the match on the front foot, creating early chances in front of their supporters. In the 20th minute, Musa found himself through on goal following a swift attacking move, but his dangerous cross flashed across the face of goal without a teammate available to apply the finishing touch.
The hosts continued to apply pressure as the first half progressed. A clear opportunity came in the 36th minute when Jude Okorie rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Mustapha Jibrin, only for the Barau FC goalkeeper to produce a fine save and keep the scoreline level.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 57th minute. Jibrin delivered a perfectly executed corner kick into the penalty area, where Musa rose to meet the ball and powered home a superb finish, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home supporters.
Buoyed by the goal, Kano Pillars dominated the closing stages of the match and created several opportunities to extend their lead. Players including Jude Okorie, Luis Dadong, Mustapha Jibrin, Olakunle Akala, Rabiu Ali, Christian Izuchukwu and Joseph Ezigbo all threatened the visitors’ goal, while the hosts were also denied by the woodwork on multiple occasions.
Despite failing to add to their advantage, the Kano Pillars defence remained disciplined to secure a deserved victory.
Williams Ayuba replaced Rabiu Ali
Christian Izuchukwu replaced Jude Okorie Muhammad Galadima replaced injured Abuchi Destiny Okeke
Mustapha Umar replaced Ahmed Musa
Joseph Ezigbo replaced Mustapha Jibrin
The result lifts Kano Pillars to 15th place in the NPFL standings with 35 points, level with Niger Tornadoes F.C. and Wikki Tourists F.C. in a tightly contested middle section of the table.
Kano Pillars will now turn their attention to Matchday 30, where they travel to Minna to face Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium.
