Kano Pillars threw a wrench into Rivers United’s title ambitions with a well-earned 2-0 win on Saturday in Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match day 35 clash in Kano.
The first half was evenly contested, with Rivers United creating a promising chance in the 44th minute.
Otaniyi found a pocket of space and fired a low shot toward goal, but Pillars goalkeeper Abuchi reacted sharply to keep it out—denying the visitors a crucial opener just before halftime.
That missed opportunity proved costly. The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Ahmed Musa put the hosts ahead for 8th league goal in 21 appearances.
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Pillars struck again shortly after. In the 73rd minute, Rabiu Ali’s goal-bound shot was blocked by Stephen Manyo’s hand inside the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Ali stepped up and made no mistake from the spot in the 75th minute, doubling the lead and all but sealing the victory.
The goal was Ali’s 12th league goal of the season in 31 matches. Pillars move to 6th position with 50 points still within reach of a CAF confederation Cup ticket while Rivers United remain 2nd place with 58 points.
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The result is significant beyond the match itself. It marks only the second time in their last seven NPFL meetings that Kano Pillars have beaten Rivers United (W2 D1 L4).
Rivers United’s loss means Remo Stars can claim their first-ever NPFL title with a win against Niger Tornadoes on Sunday—a potential historic moment for the club.
