By Goodness Ndukuba, Akwa on October 30, 2023

Abdul Maikaba, Kano Pillars Technical Adviser was devastated and 'shocked' as Rangers rained goals on his Masu Gida side in Saturday's NPFL Match Day Five fixture at the Awka City Stadium.

Maikaba was Rangers Technical helmsman in the last two seasons, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023 and was succeeded by Fidelis 'The Working One' prior to the start of the current campaign.

A former Akwa Utd and Plateau Utd, Maikaba arrived Awka late Friday night for his first potential visit to his former club, Rangers, in high spirit but was left to rue the merciless dismantling of his usual 'strong and reliable' Pillars by a smooth playing Flying Antelopes who had to overcome an early setback to win 4-1.

The soft spoken Maikaba would heap the blame of his team's second half collapse on 'fatigue'.

"Overall, it was a good match. Both teams tried to play good football and I'm sure the fans enjoyed it", Maikaba began in his usual soft tone.

"It's not about giving excuses why we lost. But I think our late arrival and inability of the players to fully rest before the match contributed to our defeat", Maikaba said.

The Kano Pillars boss admitted Rangers superiority on the bright afternoon football extravaganza.

"Rangers are a good team. We're also a good side but today, Rangers had their chances and took them and that makes the difference".

Maikaba would also pick holes in the manner the referee conducted the game.

"I don't complain about referees. But today, there were some decisions he (the referee) took that would ordinarily come to question.

"For instance, the penalty awarded Rangers in the first half. Its important the organisers looked into the level of officiating in the league".

Kano Pillars will welcome Bayelsa United on Wednesday in their Match Day six fixture in Kano and Maikaba remains shrewdly confident of a positive response by his charges.

"It's a marathon league, not a 100 meters sprint. We lost today but who says we can't win tomorrow?

"So, our fans and supporters should keep faith in the team, stand behind us

and continue to pray for the success of the team, knowing fully well that he who laughs last, laughs best". Maikaba emphasised.

Yakubu Mohammed got Pillars in front 10 minutes after kick off, poking home a cross from the right hand channel to force Rangers fall behind for the first time at their transit home, Awka City Stadium.

But Godwin Obaje restored parity for the Flying Antelopes from the penalty spot after a Kano Pillars defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area on the dot of 22nd minute.

Kano Pillars goal tender, Muhammad Galadima's Heroics ensured both teams went into the break on level terms.

 the goalkeeper of Kano Pillars as both sides retired for the break on equal terms.

Nine minutes after the restart for the second period, Isaac Saviour fired Rangers into the lead with captain fantastic, Chukwudi Nwaodu grabbing a brace on 57th and 62nd minutes as the home side took the game off the redemption of the four-time champions, Kano Pillars.

Source Daily Sports Nigeria

Posted October 30, 2023

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