In a season defined more by boardroom sanctions and relocation than on-field rhythm, the “Sai Masu Gida” finally found their voice on Wednesday. In a high-stakes Northwest Derby that felt more like a survival battle than a regional rivalry, Kano Pillars edged Katsina United 1-0, courtesy of a singular moment of magic from their talismanic General Manager-cum-player, Ahmed Musa.
The victory at the Sani Abacha Stadium was more than just three points; it was a defiant roar from a club that has spent much of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season looking into the abyss of the relegation zone.
The Breakthrough: 72 Minutes of Tension
For over an hour, the match was a grueling tactical stalemate. Katsina United, sitting comfortably in mid-table, arrived with a blueprint of discipline, stifling the Pillars’ creative sparks and frustrating a home crowd desperate for a turning point.
However, the deadlock was shattered in the 72nd minute. Ahmed Musa, whose return to the NPFL has been a blend of romanticism and necessity, reminded the league why he remains the country’s most iconic active servant. Capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse from the “Chanji Boys,” Musa clinical finish sent the Kano faithful into a frenzy. It was his third goal of the season in 14 appearances—a modest tally by his historic standards, but arguably his most vital.
To understand the weight of this 1-0 win, one must look at the mountain Pillars are currently climbing. The former champions have been hamstrung by:
Point Deductions: A three-point and three-goal penalty following crowd disturbances against Shooting Stars in late 2025.
Banishment: Forced to play five home matches away from Kano, only recently returning to the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Relegation Scuffles: Despite the win, Pillars remain in 18th place with 25 points after 23 matches.
“It was a tough game, but we got the three points at the end of 90 minutes,” Musa told club media post-match. “We are fighting to escape relegation, and this is a message of hope to our fans.”
The Table and the Road Ahead
While the win provides a massive psychological boost, the mathematical reality remains grim. The NPFL standings currently reflect a league where every inch is fought for:
Position Club Played Points Status
11 Katsina United 23 30 Mid-table
18 Kano Pillars 23 25 Relegation Zone
19 Kwara United 22 24 Relegation Zone
20 Kun Khalifat 23 22 Relegation Zone
The implications of this result are twofold. For Katsina United, it is a missed opportunity to break into the top ten. For Kano Pillars, it is a lifeline. They have now won three of their last five matches, showing the kind of form required to claw toward the 16th-place safety mark currently occupied by Remo Stars (26 points).
Kano Pillars face a daunting trip to Rangers International in their next fixture. To survive, they must translate their “Derby Energy” into consistency on the road—a feat that has eluded them for much of this turbulent campaign.
