2 months ago
15 ARTICLE AD
Kano Pillars captain Rabiu Ali was the cynosure of all eyes during the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier League match-day one clash with newcomers Ikorodu City after scoring a brace in their 3-0 win at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Playing his 18th season in the Nigerian topflight, the 43-year-old turned up in style on their adopted home ground with a second half free-kick to double their lead before adding the third with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Mustapha Umar had given Pillars the lead in the 59th minute after the hosts failed to break the resistance of the newly promoted visitors for almost 60 minutes.
The Usman Abdallah side, however, turned the game around in the last 30 minutes, with Ali, who scored 10 goals plus nine assists last season, spearheading their perfect start.
Similarly, Sunshine Stars teenage sensation Promise Awosanmi began the new season where he left off last term, scoring a stunning free-kick plus an assist in their 3-0 thrashing of Ladan Bosso’s Bayelsa United at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode.
Awosanmi was the provider for Seidu Salisu as the Owena Whales got their first goal a minute before the break.
The midfielder then turned home a free-kick in the 54th minute to double their lead, while Stephen Chuwkude, on his return, wrapped up the 3-0 win in stoppage time.
Thanks to their big wins, Kano Pillars and Sunshine Stars have taken an early lead in the NPFL table, sitting joint-top with three goals and three points apiece.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
