Kano Pillars Football Club has been crowned champions of the 4th Edition of the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Football Tournament after defeating Plateau United Football Club 5-4.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State officially kicked off the final which was graced by the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau.
The match which was decided on penalty shoot out at the Lafia City Stadium, had ended 0-0 after regular time.
Ahmed Musa, the Super Eagles captain, who was playing for the Kano boys made spirited efforts to score but rather sustained injury and was replaced.
Plateau United gained momentum after Musa’s substitution and got a free kick which they failed to utilise to their advantage before the end of the first half
Play resumed with both sides making frantic moves to goal only for Plateau United’s fortunes to take a turn for the worse when one of their players was given a red card, reducing them to 10 players.
The match remained deadlock at regulation time but Kano Pillars took to victory in the penalty shootout, winning 5-4.
In a Post-Match reaction,Kano Pillars Head Coach Evans Ogenyi expressed delight at his team’s win.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, congratulated all participating teams and appreciated the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for choosing Nasarawa State to host the tournament.
The Golden Boot of the tournament went to Aliyu Umar (Kano Pillars) with 5 goals while the Best Attacking Team went to Nasarawa United with 10 goals
Special Awards were given to distinguished personalities who have contributed to football development in Nigeria, including Silas Agara, Isaac Danladi, and Salisu Galadima.
The Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Football Tournament provided a platform for 16 teams from the NPFL, NNL, and Nationwide League One to prepare for the upcoming season.
