NPFL 2024/25 MD 11: Rabiu Ali Steers Kano Pillars Past Insurance In Benin, Lobi Stars Fightback to Beat Abia Warriors
_…Enyimba Hosts Remo Stars In NPFL Classic
By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Veteran Captain, Rabiu Ali further etched his name in the folklores of Kano Pillars FC, and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), when he scored from the penalty spot, deep into stoppage time, to hand visiting Kano Pillars FC an unlikely 1-0 road win, over a Bendel Insurance FC side, that is currently experiencing a bad patch.
Ali, who is at present 44 years, has thus far this season been huge for Pillars aka Sai Masugida, alongside another veteran, Ahmed Musa, who is making a 3rd stint at the club; and together they have plundered lots of goals against opposing teams, at home in Katsina, and in their away fixtures.
Saturday’s victory saw Pillars FC climb up the NPFL log, up to 4th and on 17 points, just a point adrift of Enyimba FC who are 3rd, on 18 points, and are home in Aba, to joint table toppers, Remo Stars FC of Ikenne today.
In Saturday’s only other Matchday 11 fixture played, Lobi Stars of Makurdi came from a goal down, to thrash Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia 3-1, at the Lafia City Stadium; with all four goals scored in the second half.
The victory was only the second for Coach Daniel Amokachi, since he took charge of the team, and the points earned means the Stars are now 16th in the table, with 12 points, from eleven games played.
Aside from the classic in Aba, where record nine-time champions Enyimba FC will be hosting Remo Stars FC; one of today’s other games pits a resurgent Heartland FC of Owerri, against their former Head Coach, Kennedy Boboye who will lead his present club, Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, to a battle of attrition against the Naze Millionaires, now coached by a Super Eagles legend, Emmanuel Amuneke.
Reigning NPFL Champions Rangers Int’l FC are in Jos for a game they will need to grind out a win to claim the 3 points on offer, and close the gap on the frontrunners, Remo Stars FC and Rivers United FC (21 points), and Enyimba FC (18 points).
For Rangers Head Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and one of their standout players this season, Kazeem Ogunleye; it will be another trip back to their former base (Jos), as both men joined Rangers from Plateau United FC, at the end of the 2022/23 season.
It’s Nasarawa United FC versus Kwara United FC in Lafia; Rivers United FC and Bayelsa United FC will clash in a Niger Delta derby in Port Harcourt; and Ikorodu City are guests of Katsina United FC, in the North-West.
The late evening game, to be played under floodlights, pits Shooting Stars SC against the only side yet to taste defeat this season, Elkanemi Warriors FC of Maidugiri, at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, in Adamasingba, starting from 5:30 pm.
