Former Nigeria national football team captain Ahmed Musa scored the decisive goal as Kano Pillars secured a narrow 1–0 victory over local rivals Barau FC in their Nigeria Premier Football League clash at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Musa found the breakthrough three minutes before the hour mark, converting a key chance to hand the home side all three points in a tightly contested encounter.

The result lifts Kano Pillars to 15th place in the NPFL standings with 35 points from 29 matches, providing a timely boost as the club looks to move further away from the lower half of the table.

League leaders Rivers United strengthened their grip at the top with a 3–1 victory over Bendel Insurance at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

After a goalless first half, Rivers United dominated the second period with goals from Chijioke Mbaoma, Wisdom Samuel, and Samson Obi sealing the win. The Port Harcourt side now has 52 points from 27 matches.

Elsewhere, defending champions Remo Stars suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat against Rangers International in Enugu. Kenneth Igboke scored twice for Rangers, while Chidozie Iwundu and Wisdom Ebirim added further goals. Remo Stars’ consolation came through Franck Kingue.

Other NPFL results over the weekend saw Plateau United defeat Niger Tornadoes 3–0, while Abia Warriors recorded a 2–0 win against Shooting Stars SC.

Warri Wolves edged Enyimba FC 2–1, Katsina United fell 2–1 at home to Kwara United, while Nasarawa United claimed a 1–0 victory over Ikorodu City.

Kun Khalifat FC also recorded a narrow 1–0 win against Bayelsa United.

Kano Pillars forward Ahmed Musa has pledged that the club will continue to battle until the conclusion of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Sai Masu Gida secured a crucial 1-0 win over Katsina United on Wednesday, with the former Super Eagles captain scoring the decisive goal to hand his side all three points.

Reflecting on the victory, Musa described the encounter as a challenging contest but lauded the team’s determination and fighting spirit.

“It was a tough game, but we got the three points at the end of 90 minutes,” Musa told the club’s media team.

“We have to keep fighting, and in every game we will go all out to get the points. At the end of the season, we will see where we are. By the grace of Allah, we will be out of this situation.”

The Kano Pillars talisman also paid tribute to the supporters, calling them the driving force behind the team’s survival push.

“The power behind Kano Pillars is the fans, and we are going to do our best to win and get out of relegation. The best gift we can give them is to keep winning.”

The victory over Katsina United provides a vital boost to Kano Pillars’ survival hopes as they strive to move away from the NPFL relegation zone.

Rivers United closed out the NPFL season on a high, finishing the year top of the league table after a narrow home victory over Rangers International, while Kano Pillars boosted their survival hopes with a commanding win that lifted them out of the relegation zone in their match day 19 fixtures, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Boluwaji Sholumade’s second-half strike proved decisive as Rivers United edged Rangers 1–0. The forward found the breakthrough in the 53rd minute, a result that ensured Rivers United maintained their grip on first place heading into the new year.

Kano Pillars delivered one of the standout performances of the day, sweeping aside Nasarawa United 3–0. Mustapha Umar opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before second-half goals from Chiedozie Okorie (68’) and Jibrin Mustapha (72’) sealed a comprehensive victory that saw Pillars climb out of the relegation places.

In Ozoro, Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists played out an entertaining 2–2 draw. Imamu Bala put Wikki ahead in the 37th minute before Ezekiel Oroh equalised early in the second half. Wolves briefly turned the game around through Seth Mayi on 56 minutes, but Bala struck again in the 76th minute to earn Wikki a share of the points.

Niger Tornadoes claimed a 2–0 victory over Barau FC, with Abdulaziz Dalhatu opening the scoring in the 35th minute. The points were sealed deep into stoppage time when Rickson Mendos added a second to cap a solid home display.

Katsina United earned a 1–0 away win at Kun Khalifat thanks to Richard Christopher’s 39th-minute strike.

El-Kanemi Warriors snatched a narrow 1–0 victory at Bayelsa United, with Sadiq Mohammed scoring just before halftime.

Ikorodu City beat reigning champions, Remo Stars 1–0 as Odinaka Alfred unleashed a spectacular long-range effort in the 40th minute, firing past goalkeeper Alladoum.

Uche Dozie

Matchday 18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered a blend of late drama, tight contests and statement victories as clubs battled for crucial points at both ends of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At Ilorin, Kwara United produced a solid second-half performance to secure a 2–0 win over Bayelsa United. Babatunde Bright broke the deadlock in the 54th minute before Ini Emmanuel sealed the victory 17 minutes later, strengthening the Harmony Boys’ home form.

There was nothing to separate Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat FC, who played out a goalless draw, with both sides cancelling each other out in a closely fought encounter.

In Enugu, Rangers International edged Ikorodu City FC 2–1 in a keenly contested match, maintaining their push for a strong finish in the second half of the season.

Godwin Obaje put the Flying Antelopes in front in the 35th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead in the 76th minute

Rasheed Owolabi pulled one back for City at added time of the second half as the tie ended 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars (3SC) came from behind to defeat Niger Tornadoes 2–1.

Gbolagade Adelowo equalised from the penalty spot just before half-time, while Promise Awosanmi struck the winner in the 66th minute.

Tornadoes thought they had rescued a point when Kufre Ebong scored in added time, but the goal proved only a late consolation.

Kano Pillars thrilled their home fans with a 2–1 victory over Plateau United. After Wisdom Ndon had put the visitors ahead early, Mustapha Jibrin levelled on the stroke of half-time before captain Ahmed Musa completed the turnaround shortly after the restart.

One of the standout games of the weekend took place in Maiduguri, where El-Kanemi Warriors claimed a dramatic 3–2 win over Enyimba FC.

Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute before Jonas Emmanuel doubled the hosts' lead on 36 minutes.

Mohammed Hussaini reduced the deficit for Enyimba on 43 minutes to give the People's Elephant a lifeline ahead of the second half.

However, Emmanuel increased the deficit with his second goal of the game on 54 minutes. Onyebuchi Nwaorisa, in the 76th minute, pulled one back, but it only proved a consolation for the visitors.

Late drama also unfolded in Umuahia as Abia Warriors snatched a 1–0 victory over Wolves FC. Sunday Megwo converted a penalty deep into stoppage time (90+6’) to hand the hosts all three points in the dying moments of the game.

Uche Dozie 

Several fixtures across the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced contrasting outcomes on Matchday 26, with emphatic wins, narrow victories and goalless stalemates recorded nationwide, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

At the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Plateau United and Nasarawa United shared the spoils in a 0–0 draw, as both sides failed to convert limited chances in a cagey North Central derby.

In Bauchi, Shooting Stars (3SC) secured a vital 1–0 away victory over Barau FC, thanks to an early strike from Sodiq Ibrahim in the 9th minute, a goal that proved decisive as the Oluyole Warriors held on defensively.

Abia Warriors also picked up maximum points on the road, edging Kun Khalifat FC 1–0, with Suraju Lawal’s 81st-minute goal settling the contest in a tightly fought encounter.

At the Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro, Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars cancelled each other out in a 0–0 draw, with both goalkeepers enjoying relatively quiet outings in a match short on clear-cut chances.

The standout performance of the day came in Minna, where Niger Tornadoes thrashed El-Kanemi Warriors 3–0. Azeez Akintunde opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 5th minute, before Rickson Mendos struck twice late on, in the 79th and 83rd minutes, to seal a dominant victory.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United came from behind to defeat Remo Stars 2–1, overturning an early goal by Victor Mbaoma (14’) with second-half strikes from Fabby Clark (59’) and Emo James (64’).

Uche Dozie

Matchday 16 of the Nigeria Premier Football League produced late goals, narrow victories and intense contests across multiple centres on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors snatched a point at the death in their 1–1 draw with Rivers United. The visitors took the lead in the 86th minute through Maclyn Biokpo, but Suraju Lawal struck a dramatic 90+4th-minute equaliser to ensure honours were even.

Kwara United secured one of the day’s convincing wins with a 2–0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin. Bright Babatunde opened the scoring in the 15th minute before a 37th-minute own goal by Abba Khalid doubled the hosts’ advantage.

In Jos, Plateau United edged Warri Wolves 1–0 courtesy of a 19th-minute own goal by Gift David. The match, however, ended on a tense note as both teams had a player sent off in the 86th minute — Vincent Temitope of Plateau and Gift David of Wolves.

Remo Stars claimed a crucial 2–1 win over Enyimba in Abeokuta. Former Enyimba striker Victor Mbaoma proved decisive with a brace in the 3rd and 45th minutes, while Edidiong Ezekiel momentarily levelled for the visitors in the 32nd minute.

In Kano, legendary midfielder Rabiu Ali inspired Kano Pillars to a 2–1 victory over Kun Khalifat. Ali scored in the 19th minute and added a second from the penalty spot in the 38th, before Ebuka Nwokorie pulled one back for the visitors.

Two matches ended goalless: Wikki Tourists were held 0–0 by Ikorodu City in Bauchi, while El-Kanemi Warriors and Barau FC also failed to find the net in Maiduguri.

The results see several teams solidify their positions as the league enters its crucial phase, with battles intensifying at both ends of the table.

Uche Dozie

Kano Pillars returned to winning ways on Monday, ending a seven-match winless streak with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Ikorodu City in their NPFL Matchday 14 fixture at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Rabiu Ali gave the Sai Masu Gida a dream start just two minutes into the encounter, rising to head home Abdullahi Ali’s precise cross for his fourth goal of the season. The hosts doubled their lead in the 30th minute when Suleiman Idris struck a superb free kick from 30 yards, leaving the Ikorodu City goalkeeper with no chance.

Ikorodu City nearly halved the deficit three minutes later when Joseph Arumala connected with a Folarin free kick, but his header rattled the crossbar before the rebound was saved.

The Oga Boys eventually pulled one back on the stroke of halftime, as Arumala rose highest to head in Folarin’s corner at the back post, making it 2–1 going into the break.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, Kano Pillars held on to secure maximum points. The victory, however, was not enough to lift them off the bottom of the NPFL table, while Ikorodu City remain in second place.

Uche Dozie

Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars returned to winning ways on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars.Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

The Sky Blue Stars sealed the win at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, claiming their fifth triumph in twelve matches.

In the rescheduled Matchday 5 clash, Remo Stars took control early on, piling pressure on the visitors in search of an opener. Their efforts paid off in the 34th minute when Victor Mbaoma rose highest to nod home from a corner after Olamilekan Adedayo’s initial effort was parried.

The hosts kept the momentum after the break, pushing for a second goal to kill off the contest, but the Pillars' defence held firm. Despite the sustained pressure, the scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle.

The victory lifts Remo Stars to 15th on the NPFL table, while Kano Pillars remain deep in relegation trouble after thirteen games.

Uche Dozie

The Nigeria Premier Football League match day 11 weekend ended with another club taking top spot following Abia Warriors' win over Niger Tornadoes, as multiple champions, Enyimba, returned to winning ways, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Umuahia Warriors put up an impressive performance to take all points at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna, against a Niger Tornadoes side that had not lost in four matches.

The visitors put one leg forward at 33 minutes despite the countless pressures mounted by the host via a header by Sunday Megwo.

Unfortunately, an own goal from Sunday Akinmoladun doubled Abia Warriors' lead at the stroke of half-time, leaving the Solid Miners caught napping.

Abdulrasheed Dabai got one back off Clinton Jephta's assist on 54 minutes, but it was handy to change the result of the game.

In Aba, Enyimba FC returned to winning ways following a three-match losing streak.

The People's Elephant stood tall against Kano Pillars 2-0 at the Enyimba Stadium on Sunday, courtesy of Bassey John and Eddidiong Ezekiel.

Ikorodu City continued their fine run, winning Kun Khalifat 2-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, a win that took them to third on the log.

Rivers United earned a slim win over Nasarawa United after a 45-minute goal by Timothy Zachariah gave the Pride of Rivers the maximum points.

Uche Dozie

Kano Pillars head coach Mohammad Babaganaru has expressed confidence that the club will soon return to winning form despite their poor run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.

The Sai Masu Gida slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Saturday, their third consecutive loss and ninth game without a win this season. The result leaves Pillars rooted to the bottom of the NPFL table with just five points from nine matches.

Speaking after the game, Babaganaru admitted that the performance was below expectations but maintained faith in his players’ ability to turn things around.

“It was a very disappointing result and something I never expected,” Babaganaru told NPFL Live.

“We will stay focused and work hard to take the team out of this situation. I see it as a temporary setback, and I’m confident we will recover.”

The former Nasarawa United coach, who only recently returned to the Pillars’ dugout, will be hoping to inspire a swift response from his side as they prepare for their next NPFL fixture — a crucial opportunity to climb off the foot of the table and restore belief among their fans.

Kano Pillars have announced the appointment of Mohammed Baba Ganaru as acting head coach/technical adviser of the club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The news comes after the suspension of Coach Ogenyi Evans following poor run of results in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Baba Ganaru, a former Lobi Stars and Gombe United Coach was the former Coach of the Sai Masu Gida side who won the NPFL with them.

The appointment of the former Akwa United Coach takes immediate effect.

Uche Dozie

Kano Pillars have suspended head coach Evans Ogenyi and his immediate assistant Garba Yaro Yaro with immediate effect, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Club legend and assistant coach, Gambo Muhammad and goalkeeper trainer Suleiman Shuaibu will take charge in the interim with Coach Garzali Muhammad (Kusa) from Junior Pillars joining in an ad-hoc role.

The news comes in the wake of Kano Pillars' 1-2 loss to Barau FC in close door game at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday.

It has not been the best of start for Evans and his crew to the 2025/26 NPFL season after managing two wins, two draws and four losses in eight games.

Uche Dozie

Newly promoted sides, Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat enjoined away victories whole Shooting Stars continued their fine form in the Nigeria Premier Football League match day 9 installments, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

It was sweet victory for Delta State side, Warri Wolves following their 1-2 win over multiple champions, Enyimba at the Enyimba Stadium.

Mohammed Hussaini 's own goal after 18 minutes broke the deadlock of the Seasiders before Edidiong Ezekiel brought the game to equilibrium.

Tejiri Emonena however score on 67 minutes to give the visitors a vital win over the league giants.

The Pride of Imo, Kun Khalifat smarting from a 1-0 win to Enyimba last week continued on a winning note to beat former FA Cup winners, Bayelsa United 1-2 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenegao.

Uche Moses had put the visitors ahead nine minutes into the second half before Jawad Mustapha restored parity for the hosts on the 62nd minutes  from the spot.

With thirteen minutes left to the final whistle Olubode Hassan scored what proved to be the winner.

In Kano, it was another win for the newbies as Barau FC cake from behind to edge their senior brothers, Kano Pillars 2-1 in the Dabo derby at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

After captain Rabiu Aliyu had put Pillars ahead in the twentieth minute, but their was an impressive surge from the Ma Boys  Yahaya Ibrahim in the 50th minutes and Stanley Oganbor in the 76th minutes changed their fortunes.

Shooting Stars Sports Club continued their impressive form in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a dominant 2–0 victory over Abia Warriors at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches.

Goals from Ayobami Junior in the 20th minutes and an 86th minute strike from substitute Qamar Adegoke sealed the deal for the Oluyole Warriors.

Uche Dozie

The Nigeria Premier Football League has come hard on Kano Pillars Football Club following the unruly behaviour of fans after their game against Shooting Stars in Kano, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The unfortunate situation was triggered by Shooting Stars Sports Club's's equalizer at the death of the match,, which resulted in a 1-1 result at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday.

The League Organisers found the former champions guilty of not providing adequate securit,y, which led to fans gaining entrance into the pitch and causing harm to away team players, referees, and bringing the game into disrepute.

The Sai Masu Gida side has been hit with varying sanctions to the tune of 9.5 million naira, a minimum of a ten-match Stadium ban with banishment to Katsina, three points and three goals deduction from accumulated points.

"The club have been fined N1m each for failing to provide adequate & effective security; throwing dangerous objects onto the pitch; failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters & misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute, totalling N4m."

"A further fine of N2m is placed on the club for assault on the players of the away team & match officials.

As compensatory cost for treatment & damages on players of Shooting Stars & the match officials, Kano Pillars have also been fined N2m.

Kano Pillars will also pay a fine of N1.5m as compensatory damages of N250,000 each to the match officials."

The club has been further directed to produce the perpetrators of the ugly incident on Sunday & show proof of prosecution as well as put in place an effective matchday security arrangement which must be submitted to NPFL within 7 days of this notice.

Kano Pillars have within 48 hours to submit to this summary jurisdiction or appeal.

Uche Dozie

The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expressed deep concern following reports and viral videos showing fans invading the pitch after the Matchday 8 fixture between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars on Sunday evening, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

In an official statement signed by Davidson Owumi, the league’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), the NPFL condemned the unruly scenes in strong terms, describing them as completely unacceptable in modern football.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans,” Owumi said.

He noted that the league body is currently awaiting official match reports and full video evidence from the Match Commissioner and Referees to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Owumi assured that the NPFL is treating the situation with utmost seriousness and pledged that appropriate disciplinary actions would follow after a thorough review.

“This isolated incident is being handled with the gravity it deserves, and the necessary sanctions will be applied once the reports are reviewed,” the statement added.

The NPFL also confirmed that it has been in constant communication with the match officials and the Shooting Stars delegation to ensure their safety following the chaotic scenes.

Owumi reaffirmed the league’s commitment to upholding professionalism and maintaining a safe environment for all participants and supporters.

“We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining discipline, safety, and professionalism at all league venues across the country,” he concluded.

The league management’s swift response highlights its zero-tolerance policy toward crowd violence as it continues efforts to enhance the image and integrity of the NPFL.

Kano Pillars have released a statement addressing the fans' trouble that happened in their match day 8 Nigeria Premier Football League encounter against Shooting Stars, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports

Fans were reported to have started trouble after the final whistle of the game at the Sani Abacha Stadium that ended 1-1.

After Mustapha Jibrin's goal in the 9th minute, the hosts seemed to be heading for victory before Adams Mustapha's equalizer for the Oluyole Warriors on 90+4 minutes.

Chaos erupted afterwards as irate Kano Pillars FC fans stormed the pitch, the referee was attacked and had to flee for safety, while 3SC players were also targeted. Tear gas had to be fired to restore order.

The Sai Masu Gida side has released a statement acknowledging unruly behavior from some of their fans, thanking security operatives for coming to avert any casualties.

"Immediately after the final whistle, a few misguided persons attempted to cause disorder within the stadium premises. However, thanks to the swift intervention of our stewards and security agencies, the situation was promptly brought under control."

The statement confirmed the players and officials left unhurt and that many of the perpetrators of the act "were arrested and handed over to the security agencies for further investigation and prosecution."

The former champions say they will fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure that any individual found culpable faces the full wrath of the law.

The statement ended with thanks to the fans for their support, as the club urged the fans to remain law-abiding.

Uche Dozie

The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stated that it has monitored and noted with concern the disturbing reports and viral video clips from Sunday evening’s NPFL Matchday 8 between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars, which indicated that fans invaded the pitch shortly after the final whistle.

The statement signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, assured that while the league awaits the official match reports and complete video evidence from the Match Commissioner and Referees, "we condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans".

The League is also assuring all stakeholders and football lovers that this isolated incident is being treated with utmost seriousness, and appropriate actions will follow upon review of the full reports.

He further stated that the NPFL has remained in touch with the Match Commissioner, the Referees, and officials of Shooting Stars, whose safety has been secured.

"We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining discipline, safety, and professionalism at all league venues across the country", Owumi concluded.

Nine-time champions Enyimba FC have moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League following their win against Bayelsa while there were first wins for Ikorodu City, Kano Pillars, Plateau United and Kun Khalifat FC after match day 4 on Sunday, Nigeriasiccernet.com reports.

The People's Elephant defeated Bayelsa United 0-2 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenegao to record their second win and first win away of the season.

Chidera Michael put the People's Elephant ahead on 76 minutes before Kalu Nweke doubled the lead on 85 minutes to ensure victory.

Ikorodu City beat new boys Barau FC 2-0 courtesy of a Joseph Arumala header on 59 minutes and Ayomide Cole's goal just 6 minutes to regulation time to win in Lagos.

Kano Pillars piped Rangers International 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Super Eagles winger, Ahmed Musa on 65 minutes as Sai Masu Gida side earned their first win of the season.

A brace from Ebuka Nwokorie on 34’ and 56 minutes and Onuorah Onyedika's 48 minutes goals cancelled Ebuka Okoro's goal on 47 minutes to give Kun Khalifat FC the win over El-Kanemi Warriors.

Garba Mohammed 37 minutes goal gave Nasarawa United a win over Wikki Tourist.

Rivers United sunk Shooting Stars Sports Club further below with a 1-0 win courtesy of 72 minutes strike by Ubong Friday.

Abia Warriors defeated Katsina United 1-0 after Somiari Alalibo scored a fine goal on 51 minutes which was enough to seal victory.

Warri Wolves and Kwara United settled for the share of the spoils with a goalless at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Uche Dozie

Kano Pillars head coach Evans Ogenyi praised his players’ spirit despite a 1-0 defeat to Abia Warriors in Umuahia, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

He admitted the result was disappointing but found positives in the performance.

“The team is gelling well, and you must remember that there is no perfect team anywhere in the world,” Ogenyi said.

He added: “We’ve seen both positives and negatives from today’s game, and we will go back, prepare, and approach the next match with even greater determination.”

The coach also addressed why Ahmed Musa played the full 90 minutes.

“Musa’s international status is a big motivational factor for the younger players,” he explained.

Ogenyi praised Musa’s intelligence and influence on the squad.

“He’s a footballer who plays with his brain, and we kept him on the pitch for a reason,” he noted.

He stressed that beyond Musa’s touches, his psychological impact was immense.

“I believe he still has plenty to offer at the highest level,” Ogenyi added.

Pillars now shift focus to their next home clash against Wikki Tourists at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Atlantic Business FC and Plateau United U-19s had a good day in the office after getting off to a winning start in their Nigeria Youth League Cup Super Eight Championship on Monday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Atlantic Business FC turned the tables to beat Sunshine Stars 3-1 while Plateau United piped Kano Pillars 1-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Yakubu set the ball rolling as he put the young Akure Gunners in the lead as early as 2 minutes of action, but God's Team continued to pile up the pressure for an equalizer.

And the equalizer came on 39 minutes after Shekinah Michael got on the right end of a goalmouth scramble to make it 1-1.

Michael put ABFC in the lead before the stroke of halftime as he tapped into an empty net following a fine cross from the right.

Oluwatobi Gbenga doubled the lead, consolidating victory on 75 minutes after Sunshine Stars' goalkeeper failed to clear the ball properly in the box to make it 1-3.

ABFC face Mailantarki Care FC on Tuesday evening in their second N-Youth League Cup match, while Sunshine Stars play Shuffle Select FC.

Plateau United also got a winning start following a 1-0 win over Kano Pillars courtesy of a 43-minute goal by Pede.

The match between Shuffle Select FC and Mailantarki Care FC ended goalless after 90 minutes.

Uche Dozie