Kano Pillars end their winless run with a 2–1 victory over Ikorodu City, shifting the NPFL table and halting the visitors’ unbeaten streak.
Kano Pillars manager Abdullahi Maikaba secured a much-needed breakthrough on Monday as Kano Pillars ended their seven-match drought with a 2–1 victory over Ikorodu City in a tense NPFL fixture, halting the Lagos side’s eight-game unbeaten streak in a significant shift for the Pillars winless run narrative.
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Rabiu Ali struck in the third minute to hand Pillars the perfect start, and Olakunle Alaka doubled the lead half an hour later with a composed finish that underlined his growing influence.
Ikorodu City responded on the stroke of half-time when Joseph Arumala headed in Folarin’s corner, offering the visitors brief hope, but they could not carve out an equaliser in a subdued second period.
The defeat saw Ikorodu City drop to second place, overtaken by Nasarawa United, despite having put together the league’s longest unbeaten run this season.
For Pillars, the win provided momentary relief in a season filled with setbacks.
The club remain bottom on nine points following a three-point deduction and continue to endure the disruption of playing home matches in Katsina after being banished from Kano.
Their inability to build momentum has turned home advantage into a distant memory.
Elsewhere in Ilorin, Katsina United claimed a dramatic 3–2 victory over Enyimba.
Jamilu Yusuf opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a firm header, before Uche Collins doubled the tally early in the second half.
Stanley Dimgba clawed one back for Enyimba, but Collins restored the two-goal margin almost immediately.
Issah Mohammed reduced the deficit once more, yet the People’s Elephant could not avoid another damaging result.
The latest defeat increased pressure on Enyimba, who recently parted ways with coach Stanley Eguma and have managed only one win in their last eight matches.
They now sit 14th, a precarious three points above the relegation zone, a stark contrast to pre-season ambitions.
Katsina United climbed to eighth with 20 points, showing renewed confidence despite their own enforced relocation to Ilorin.
Looking ahead, Enyimba host Enugu Rangers in a crucial fixture as they attempt to halt their alarming slide. Katsina United travel to Yenagoa for a meeting with Bayelsa United.
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Ikorodu City return to Lagos to face title rivals Abia Warriors, while Pillars have a week off following the postponement of their match against Rivers United due to continental commitments.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
