By News Express on May 20, 2016

Former Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Kano Pillars have hit a poor run of form and are without a win in their last three matches after a 1-2 loss at Niger Tornadoes on Thursday.

Pillars’ head coach, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, opted to leave three of his influential men, Prince Aggreh, Rabiu Shehu and Omo Johnson, on the bench for the trip to the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.

His Tornadoes counterpart, Abdullahi Biffo, named his strongest side with Ismaila Gata, Bolaji Adeyemo, Tasiu Lawal and Wilfred Ammeh in the starting list with Mustapha Aliko preferred in goal ahead of Omoregie Nobas.

Baba Ganaru’s men showed intent from the start with their midfielders, Rabiu Ali, Ifeanyi Matthew, Tijjani Adamu and Shagari Mohammed, seizing the game by the scruff of the neck.

Tornadoes were reduced from taking attempts from range. On 11 minutes, Gata’s long-range strike failed to trouble Pillars’ goalkeeper, David Obiazo.

Kunle Issa put the ball in the back of Pillars’ net on 16 minutes but the referee, Sani Audu, ruled it offside.

Two minutes later, Matthew scored for Pillars. He smashed the ball in from 28 yards past Aliko.

Gata nearly restored parity on 24 minutes when his free kick missed the target from the edge of Pillars’ box by just inches.

Then for a few minutes Pillars purred with their pretty ball-possession style and it all looked like the four-time Nigerian champions would claim a second road win of the season.

Five minutes before the break, the bubble burst for Pillars and Abiodun Adebayo drilled in from close range for Tornadoes’ equaliser to send the game even at the break.

Seconds into the restart, Pillars were dealt a blow when Adeyemo scored from a goalmouth situation to complete the comeback for Tornadoes.

Baba Ganaru, in desperation to earn a result, sent on Aggreh, Johnson and Mannir Ubale.

Tornadoes did enough to keep the pacy Aggreh in check as well as his Pillars’ teammates to secure their seventh win of the season.

The other game of Thursday between FC Ifeanyiubah and newcomers MFM FC surprisingly ended goalless.

MFM FC goalkeeper Abayomi Folarin was in impressive form and played a major role in ensuring the hosts did not put the ball behind him though Jimoh Oni, Nico Dao and Oluchukwu Nwosu would rue missing scoring chances. (supersport.com)

•Photo shows Kano Pillars.

Source News Express

Posted May 20, 2016

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