Ahmed Musa delivered a man-of-the-match performance, scoring his third goal of the season to help Kano Pillars secure a thrilling victory over Enugu Rangers in their NPFL clash on Thursday.
Rabiu Ali, Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi – Photo by Kano Pillars
The Super Eagles captain was the star of the match, contributing a goal and an assist to inspire Pillars to a 4-3 win over the Flying Antelopes at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Footballrover reports.
Musa had a hand in every goal for his team, while Zulkifilu Muhammed also got on the scoresheet, and Rabiu Ali bagged a brace to seal all three points for the visitors.
Coach Usman Abdullah’s side entered the match looking to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat to Akwa United in their previous outing, and they did so in style.
The visitors nearly struck first after 13 minutes when former Doma United star Nelson Abiam unleashed a powerful shot, but his effort flew off target, resulting in a goal kick for Rangers.
Ahmed Musa leads Pillars’ charge with stellar performance
Just two minutes later, the breakthrough came. Rabiu Ali opened the scoring for Pillars, netting his third goal of the season from the penalty spot after a Rangers defender handled Musa’s cross in the box.
With 28 minutes gone, Zulkifilu Muhammed extended Pillars’ lead. Musa once again proved instrumental, beating his marker down the flank and setting up Zulkifilu for his first goal of the season.
Nine minutes later, Musa was brought down in the box, earning Pillars another penalty. Rabiu Ali calmly converted from the spot for his fourth goal of the season, giving Pillars a commanding 3-0 lead.
The Cathedral was left in stunned silence as Musa, who had orchestrated every attack, finally found the back of the net.
A dazzling solo run saw him beat four Rangers defenders before slotting home his third goal of the season just before halftime, making it 4-0.
It was a shocking first-half collapse from the defending champions, who appeared shell-shocked and unable to respond.
However, just a minute after the restart, Rangers managed to reduce the deficit through Isaac Saviour. Twelve minutes later, Saviour added another with a long-range effort to make it 2-4.
The home side continued to press for a dramatic comeback, and in stoppage time, Nenrot Silas pulled another goal back, making it 3-4. But despite the late surge, Pillars held on to claim a crucial victory.
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Rangers 3-4 Pillars
Our first maximum points on the road recorded at the Cathedral. #KanoPillarsFC#SaiMasuGida#NPFL25#RANPIL#RAMBO
— Kano Pillars FC (@pillarsfc) October 16, 2024
It was a nervy finish for Pillars, who had been in complete control, but a strong fightback from Rangers nearly spoiled their day.
Musa’s inspiring performance helped lift Kano Pillars to their third win of the season. With three defeats and a draw also on their record, the team now sits in fifth place with 10 points from seven games.
Since his return to the NPFL, the former Leicester City star has made an immediate impact, contributing four goals. His two previous goals helped Pillars to a 2-0 win against Sunshine Stars.
For a player in just his third game of the season, Musa is proving to be a huge influence on the team’s fortunes.
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