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Ahmed Musa was the difference on Wednesday as Kano Pillars edged Katsina United 1–0 in a tense North West derby.
The hard-earned result brought relief to the struggling former champions and added fresh twists to the Nigeria Premier Football League standings.
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Musa scored the winning goal in the 72nd minute, showing his experience at a moment when Pillars badly needed leadership.
The performance by the former Super Eagles captain earned him the Sai Masu Gida Fans’ Player of the Match award, voted by the Kano chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.
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The victory moves Kano Pillars to 18th place on 25 points after 23 matches, keeping them in the relegation zone but narrowing the gap to safety. Katsina United, meanwhile, remain 11th on 30 points, missing the chance to pull further clear of the bottom cluster.
Standings
At the top of the table, Rivers United stayed in control despite not playing on Wednesday. They lead the standings with 41 points from 21 matches, holding a narrow advantage over Nasarawa United.
Nasarawa failed to close that gap after being held to a 1–1 draw by Enyimba in Lafia. JoFrank Istifanus put the home side ahead in the 69th minute, but Enyimba responded quickly, with Kalu Nweke converting a penalty four minutes later. Nasarawa remain second on 39 points from 23 games, while Enyimba sit 12th with 28 points, still struggling to find consistency.
In Jos, Plateau United claimed a vital 2–1 win over Rangers International to ease their relegation fears. Temitope Vincent scored twice for the hosts, including a penalty, before Chidiebere Nwobodo pulled one back for Rangers. Plateau United stay 15th on 27 points, while Rangers, now fourth with 36 points, continue to hover just outside the title race.
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Abia Warriors were held to a 1–1 draw at home by Wikki Tourists in Umuahia. Emeka Obioma opened the scoring early in the second half, but Taheer Abubakar equalised shortly after. Abia Warriors remain third on 38 points, firmly in the title hunt, while Wikki Tourists sit 13th on 27 points.
Action continues
Other midweek games will be played on Thursday across different centres.
The day’s schedule will see Warri Wolves host Remo Stars while Bendel Insurance welcome Barau FC to Benin City
Lagos will be agog for the Southwest Derby as Ikorodu City face 3SC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
The day’s last fixture pits relegation-battling Kun Khalifat FC against Kwara United.
The fixture between Rivers United and El-Kanemi Warriors has been postponed due to the Continental assignment involving Finidi George’s team.
