A 42nd-minute header from Umar Mustapha secured a 1-0 win for Kano Pillars over Abia Warriors at the Sani Abacha Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 24 clash.

 

The victory marked Pillars’ first triumph over Abia Warriors in five meetings, having lost their previous four encounters.

 

Abia Warriors Technical Adviser, Imama Amapakabo, made just one change from the side that dominated Sunshine Stars 3-0 in their last home fixture, with Hussaini Abdullahi replacing the suspended Emmanuel Ogbuagu in defense.

 

The game began cautiously, with both teams wary of each other. However, the deadlock was broken in the 42nd minute when Zulkifilu Mohammed’s pinpoint cross found an unmarked Mustapha, who nodded home the match-winner.

 

The second half was a tense affair, with both teams nullifying each other’s attacks. Abia Warriors came close to an equalizer when Anthony Ijoma connected with a cross from substitute Nur Mohammed, but his header went agonizingly wide.

 

Despite late pressure from the visitors, Sai Masu Gida held firm to claim all three points.

 

Abia Warriors will now shift focus to their midweek Oriental Derby against reigning champions Enugu Rangers on Wednesday, February 29, 2025.