Kano Pillars secured their first win of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on Sunday after surviving a late fightback from Niger Tornadoes to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The hosts looked to be cruising after Ubong Friday and Fabian Nworie scored before half-time to give Pillars a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Nworie struck again nine minutes into the second half to complete his brace and put Kano Pillars 3-0 ahead.
Niger Tornadoes, however, refused to surrender. Godfrey Joseph and Wasiu Jimoh scored twice to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish, but Pillars held on in the closing stages to secure all three points.
At the New Jos Stadium, Plateau United also recorded their first victory of the campaign, edging Kwara United 1-0. Alex Aghahowa scored the decisive goal in the 29th minute to hand the home side a valuable three points.
Nasarawa United claimed a similar narrow victory in Lafia, with Sam Pam scoring in the 55th minute to seal a 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance.
The only goalless match of the day was played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, where Kun Khalifat FC and Barau FC battled to a 0-0 draw.
Full Results
– Kano Pillars 3-2 Niger Tornadoes
– Plateau United 1-0 Kwara United
– Nasarawa United 1-0 Bendel Insurance
– Kun Khalifat FC 0-0 Barau FC
