2026/2027 EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 9: Yahaya Fires Kano Pillars Past Katsina to Revive Campaign

Posted : 20 October 2026

Kano Pillars rediscovered their winning touch with a narrow 1–0 victory over northern rivals Katsina United in their 2026/2027 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

Yahaya Ibrahim’s sixth-minute strike proved decisive in the keenly contested derby, giving the Sai Masu Gida a much-needed victory after a frustrating spell without a win.

The early goal provided Kano Pillars with the platform to control proceedings, while their defensive discipline ensured Katsina United could not find a way back into the contest.

The hosts approached the encounter under pressure to deliver before their supporters after failing to secure victories in their previous home matches. However, Yahaya’s early breakthrough eased the tension and gave the team renewed belief.

Katsina United responded by searching for an equaliser, but Kano Pillars remained organised at the back, protecting their slender advantage until the final whistle.

The result was particularly important for technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede, who praised his players for responding positively to the pressure surrounding the fixture.

“We expected pressure in this game, so I congratulate my players for handling it well.

“The most important thing was to secure the maximum three points and end our winless run. I am happy we achieved that,” he said.

Ogunmodede explained that the players were determined to satisfy the technical crew and supporters, adding that the early goal helped them settle into the encounter.

He also stressed that the team's defensive performance was as important as its attacking contribution.

“We attacked effectively and scored, then defended well to prevent our opponents from scoring. We kept a clean sheet and secured all three points,” the coach said.

Despite the victory, Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team still had areas requiring improvement, suggesting that the result was a step towards recovery rather than a reason for complacency.

The derby triumph provides Kano Pillars with a timely confidence boost as they seek greater consistency in the league. Their ability to protect an early lead also offered encouragement after previous struggles to convert home advantage into maximum points.

The Sai Masu Gida subsequently moved to fourth position with 15 points from 10 matches, according to the club's account.

For Katsina United, the defeat was a disappointing outcome in a regional rivalry, with their inability to convert their efforts into an equaliser ultimately proving costly.

Kano Pillars will now look to build on the victory and translate the renewed confidence into a sustained run of positive results as the NPFL campaign progresses.

2026/2027 EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 9: Yahaya Fires Kano Pillars Past Katsina to Revive Campaign

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics