Kano Pillars broke a three-year jinx in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) when they defeated Sunshine Stars 1-0 at the Akure Township Stadium on Sunday on the Match-Day 14.
Adamu Mohammed’s 82 minutes goal was all Sai Masu Gida needed to secure maximum three points in the match and the only away win this weekend.
It was a game that saw both sides create several scoring opportunities but the visitors made use of one out of many.
The win was a boost for the four-time champions to reclaim NPFL title they surrendered to Enyimba last season.
The home side made the first attempt in the 4th minute but Pillars goalkeeper Yusuf Muhammad rushed out to clear the danger before Quadri Samad pounces in.
Yusuf made another fine save to deny Sunday Abe’s effort from a well taken free kick.
Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa was called to action in the 48th minute as his fingertip save denied Omo Johnson the chance to put Pillars ahead.
The visitors had another chance to take the lead in the 59th minute but Prince Aggreh surprisingly missed a one-on-one chance with Ezenwa.
Sunshine Stars Dele Olorundare went close to giving the home side the equalizer but his efforts only hit the side netting and despite a late pressure Kano Pillars held on for a vital win in front of 5,498 spectators in Akure.