Kano Pillars ended a seven-game winless streak on Monday, securing a 2–1 victory over second-placed Ikorodu City in matchday 14 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
In Katsina, the Oga Boys stunned the Lagos-based side, halting their eight-game unbeaten run—the longest in the league so far, which had featured five victories. Rabiu Ali gave Pillars an early lead in the third minute, before Olakunle Alaka doubled the advantage with a clinical finish 30 minutes into the match.
Ikorodu City responded in first-half stoppage time as Joseph Arumala met Folarin’s corner at the back post to score, keeping their hopes alive. However, the visitors could not find an equaliser in the second half, and the defeat saw them drop from first to second in the league table, overtaken by Nasarawa United.
Despite the win, Kano Pillars’ season struggles persist. The team remains anchored at the bottom of the standings with nine points after a three-point deduction. Furthermore, Pillars continue to play their “home” matches away from Kano, having been banished to Katsina, disrupting their rhythm and eliminating any semblance of home advantage.
Elsewhere in the NPFL, Katsina United emerged victorious in a thrilling 3–2 contest against Enyimba in Ilorin. Jamilu Yusuf headed the hosts into the lead in the 32nd minute from Sani Mubarak’s delivery, with Uche Collins extending the advantage early in the second half following a precise pass from Azeez Falolu.
The NPFL continues to deliver exciting matches as teams jostle for position in the tightly contested league table, with Kano Pillars’ victory serving as a morale boost in an otherwise challenging season.
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