Former league champions Kano Pillars continued their indifferent form in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season as they dropped to the relegation zone after a 2-3 loss to Abia Warriors in Okigwe.
Both teams were neck-on-neck with each other on the league log before Saturday’s game but hosts, Warriors edged the highly entertaining five goals thriller to push themselves clear from their visitors.
Warriors took the lead with just four minutes on the clock when Paul Samson headed home Augustine Njoku’s cross at the far post but Pillars levelled in the 27th minute after Ifeanyi Eze latched onto Rabiu Ali’s lofted pass before finishing with aplomb.
The hosts went back in front with just seconds left of the first half when winger Emmanuel Onu scored after Pillars failed to properly clear danger. It was a crucial point in the game for the hosts to score.
Imama Amapakabo’s men then extended their lead in the 70th minute through striker Godwin Obaje whose effort squirmed under the grasp of former Warriors goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo, in goal for Pillars.
Pillars never gave up though and they got a second goal of theirs from the Sai Masu Gida textbook. Rabiu Ali’s brilliantly lofted pass over the Warriors defence was met by Auwalu Ali Malam who buried home on the half volley.
There was not to be an equaliser again from Pillars as the 2014 champions dropped to the relegation zone once again with Warriors climbing up to 12th on the log.
Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo enjoyed the game as much as the fans that saw it in Okigwe.
“This is one game that whoever it is that came got their money’s worth. It was entertaining, there were goals and I think it was a good tactical game for whoever that loves tactics and a good advertisement for the NPFL.
“Last season it was five goals (in this fixture), this season it is five goals. I think it is exciting as it is between two teams that want to play, both sides are teams that want to attack and it is always very nice,” said Amapakabo to news men.
Pillars were led to Okigwe by their former player and league legend Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’. He said after the game that it was not a game his side should have lost and believes his team will get out of the relegation zone if they can keep up performances like Saturday’s.
