Kano Pillars captain Rabiu Ali was the standout player in their 3-0 victory against newcomers Ikorodu City during the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier League (NPL) match-day one clash at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Sunday.
Ali, playing his 18th season in the Nigerian top flight at 43 years old, delivered a stellar performance. He doubled Pillars’ lead in the second half with a free-kick and later added a third goal with 10 minutes remaining.
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The game had been tightly contested for nearly an hour, with Pillars struggling to break the defense of the newly promoted Ikorodu City. However, Mustapha Umar eventually broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, giving Pillars a 1-0 lead. The hosts, led by coach Usman Abdallah, then turned the game around in the final 30 minutes, with Ali spearheading their strong finish.
Ali, who scored 10 goals and provided nine assists last season, demonstrated his continued leadership and skill, ensuring his team started the season with a win.
In another NPL match, Sunshine Stars’ teenage sensation Promise Awosanmi also impressed in their 3-0 victory over Bayelsa United at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode. Awosanmi provided an assist for Seidu Salisu just before the halftime break and scored a free-kick in the 54th minute to double their lead. Stephen Chuwkude completed the rout in stoppage time, sealing a comfortable win.
Both Kano Pillars and Sunshine Stars now sit atop the NPL table, each with three points and three goals from their opening matches.
