It was all square on Kano Pillars' return to their fortress, the Sani Abacha Stadium, as the visiting Heartland FC, led by former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke, earned another valuable point on the road.
It could have been a straightforward win for the Naze Millionaires until Ahmed Musa scored a heartbreaking equalizer to salvage a point for his team.
Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria
The in-form Ahmed Musa played a pivotal role, netting a crucial goal as Kano Pillars held Amuneke’s Heartland FC to an exciting 2-2 draw.
The 2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 12 marked Sai Masu Gida's first home game of the season, having played their earlier league fixtures in Katsina after the NPFL board declared their stadium unfit for matches.
The first half was tightly contested, but the game came alive in the second half.
Heartland struck first when Suraju Lawal opened the scoring in the 51st minute, silencing the boisterous home crowd with the first of his two goals.
Pillars’ legendary captain, Rabiu Ali, brought the hosts level in the 57th minute with a sublime free-kick, sending over 25,000 fans into rapturous celebrations.
However, Heartland reclaimed the lead just two minutes later as Lawal completed his brace.
Not to be outdone, Ahmed Musa rescued Pillars yet again, scoring a brilliant equalizer in the 75th minute—his fifth goal of the season.
Kano Pillars pressed relentlessly for a winner, but Heartland’s defense stood strong, ensuring they returned to Owerri with a hard-earned point.
Musa’s exceptional performance throughout the match proved a constant menace for the Heartland backline.
Despite the thrilling encounter, Pillars will rue their missed chances, particularly their inability to capitalize on a series of late corner kicks.
They now shift their focus to their next match, an away trip to Makurdi to face Lobi Stars, where they’ll aim to return to winning ways.
ADD A COMMENT :