2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 26: Managerless Kano Pillars set to face ambitious Akwa United FC

Posted : 25 February 2025

Two-time league winners, Kano Pillars FC, will welcome a more ambitious Akwa United to the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, on Wednesday for the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 26.

Kano Pillars are still without their substantive Technical Adviser, Usman Abdallah, who was initially suspended for three weeks, but his suspension has been extended.

Abdallah's suspension was due to Sai Masu Gida's recent poor run in the 2024/25 season, as well as an inappropriate gesture towards the fans during a match against Bayelsa United FC.

Following the club’s announcement of Abdallah’s suspension after their goalless draw against Bayelsa United at home, his assistant and former player, Ahmed Garba, also known as Yaro Yaro, took over in the interim.

For fellow league winners Akwa United, the 2024/2025 season has been a struggle, seemingly a continuation of their narrow escape from relegation last year.

The Promise Keepers currently sit in 19th place with 24 points and face a daunting trip to Kano to take on Pillars.

Ahmed ‘Yaro Yaro' will continue to lead Pillars in the absence of the suspended Usman Abdallah.

Akwa United, sitting 19th on the 2024/2025 NPFL table, will need to dig deep to secure points in Kano, as a loss would further complicate their survival hopes.

They must start accumulating points quickly to have any chance of remaining in the NPFL.

Undoubtedly, Akwa United's woes might worsen as their dependable forward, Chijioke Alakwe, is sidelined for around four weeks due to a shoulder injury.

Alakwe sustained the injury during Akwa United’s State FA Cup semi-final tie against Godswill Akpabio United.

The striker plays a pivotal role in the Promise Keepers' attack, having scored five goals for Kennedy Boboye’s side this season.

Akwa United currently occupy 19th place in the table with 24 points from 25 matches.

Head-to-Head
Since 2021, Kano Pillars and Akwa United have faced each other in five matches, with Kano Pillars securing one victory and one draw.

Akwa United - Kano Pillars (13.10.2024) 2:0
Akwa United - Kano Pillars (28.04.2024) 3:0
Kano Pillars - Akwa United (06.12.2023) 1:0
Kano Pillars - Akwa United (06.04.2022) 0:0
Akwa United - Kano Pillars (19.12.2021) 3:0

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 26: Managerless Kano Pillars set to face ambitious Akwa United FC

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