2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 9: Derby delight as Nasarawa United overpowers Kano Pillars

Posted : 28 October 2024

The 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Northern derby between Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars at the Lafia Township Stadium saw the Solid Miners edge out Sai Masu Gida with a lone goal by the league's top scorer, Anas Yusuf.

In this highly anticipated derby match, the Solid Miners achieved a stunning 1-0 victory over their Northern regional arch-rivals and heavyweights, Kano Pillars, in front of a packed crowd at the Lafia City Stadium on a thrilling Sunday.

The hosts dominated the early exchanges, with the in-form Anas Yusuf scoring in the 40th minute with a clinical finish from a tight angle, marking his 9th goal in nine games of the 2024/25 NPFL season.

In the second half, Kano Pillars' Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ali tried to equalize for the "Sai Masu Gida," as Kano Pillars are known, but each attempt was thwarted by the determined Nasarawa United defense.

This unexpected victory lifts Nasarawa United to 8th place in the league table with twelve points, while Kano Pillars drop to 12th with eleven points.

Before kick-off, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development pledged a support of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) to the team if they defeated the four-time former league champions. Commissioner Hon. Jafaru Ango said the incentive was intended to boost the players’ morale in this high-profile match.

The Coach Kabir Dogo-led Solid Miners will next travel to face the defending league champions, 11th-placed Rangers International, at the Cathedral Stadium in Enugu on Match Day 10 on Sunday, Nov. 3.

Coach Dogo commented on the win: "We are very happy with this victory, our second at home this season.

"This is a huge achievement for everyone in Nasarawa State.

"Nobody expected us to win today, especially against such highly experienced players as Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, and Rabiu Ali (Pele), but glory be to God that we secured the win.

"We could have scored about three goals today because we dominated in every aspect and missed some clear chances, but we're still satisfied with the 1-0 win, which gives us three points.

"Our next game is against Rangers in Enugu next weekend, and we'll approach it step-by-step.

"We’re also thrilled about the invitation of three of our players to the Super Eagles’ B Team for the CHAN Qualifiers against Ghana. We know our players will make both Nasarawa and Nigeria proud and help the country qualify for the CHAN Championship hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania early next year.

"In time, Nasarawa United will produce players for all levels of the National Teams.

"We are grateful to the Super Eagles' Technical Crew, the Nigeria Football Federation leadership, and the Nasarawa State Government for their ongoing support.

"We'll continue to work hard to repay the trust they have in us."

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 9: Derby delight as Nasarawa United overpowers Kano Pillars

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