Pillars maintain NPFL lead

Kano Pillars retained their leadership of the Nigeria Professional Football League on Wednesday by beating third placed Giwa FC 3-1 in Kano. Going into the match, Giwa, who were on 31 points, needed a win to alter the standings at the top of the League table having drawn the reverse fixture 1-1 earlier in the season. The Globacom Premier League match started on slow note with each side sizing each other up till the 12th minute when Gambo Muhammed’s goal- bound shot was deflected by the Giwa defence. Pillars took the lead in the 13th minute from the resultant corner as the Giwa defenders allowed Adamu Hassan to tap in his eight goal of the season. Giwa responded in a wonderful fashion as they piled pressure on the hosts which paid off in the 40th minute when Shuaib Ibrahim scored the equaliser for the Jos-based team after a good display of teamwork ended in a solo run. The lead was restored four minutes later after Ezekiel Mba scored after receiving a pass from Gambo, who had beaten the Giwa defence. The second half was a mixed affair with both sides squandering chances but Kabiru Umar ensured Giwa had no chance of coming back into the game when he converted from the penalty spot in the 85th minute after the Giwa goalkeeper had tripped him in the eighteen yard box. In other matches, El-Kanemi Warriors defeated Warri Wolves 2-0, Crown FC lost 1-0 at home to Lobi Stars, Sharks were 2-0 victors over Bayelsa United, Nembe City beat Rangers 2-1, Nassarawa United beat Taraba FC 2-0, Kaduna United also beat Abia Warriors 3-2, Dolphins beat Heartland 1-0 and Enyimba beat Sunshine Stars 2-0.