By Nehemiah Gwamna.
Kano Pillars Football Club has emerged champions of the 4th Edition of Gusau Ahlan Pre-season Football Tournament after defeating Plateau United Football Club of Jos – five-four in the finals played at the Lafia City stadium.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State officially kicked off the Ball for the finals alongside NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau.
The final of the 4th Edition of Gusau Ahlan 2025 Pre Season Football tournament between Kano Pillars FC and Plateau United attracted many Football fans who came out in their numbers to Support their darling Teams to victory, with top Government officials, NFF Board Members, Chairman of States Football Associations were at the Lafia City stadium to witness the much anticipated encounter by the two NPFL power House after two weeks of competitive actions.
Spectators were entertained by the skills displayed by the two teams, who lived up to expectations as they showcased their talents to the admiration of thousands of fans in attendance.
Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa, who plays for Sai Masu Gida, was injured during the match and was replaced.
After 90 minutes of play, both sides settled for a goalless draw, despite their efforts to press for a goal. In the end, Kano Pillars triumphed over Plateau United 5-4 in penalties to win the Gusau Ahlan 2025 Pre-Season Football Tournament..
Kano Pillars Head Coach Evans Ogenyi expressed delight at his Team winning the Cup.
Speaking after the finals, Governor Abdullahi of Nasarawa State, congratulated all the teams that participated in the competition saying that his administration will continue to provide enabling conditions for sporting activities to thrive in the state.
The Governor represented by the Deputy Governor Doctor Emmanuel Akabe, appreciated the NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for giving the State the right to host the Pre-Season Football Tournament, assuring that the doors of the State are always open to host more sporting events.
Earlier, NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau maintained that the Pre-Season Football Competition was an avenue for Clubs to prepare well especially Northern Teams ahead of the commencement of the 2025 – 2026 Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL which will begin next weekend across different match venues.
Sixteen Teams from the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL, Nigeria National League NNL and Nationwide League One participated in the two-week Gusau Ahlan Pre-season Football Tournament in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
High point of the event was the presentation of the Trophy and medals to the champions Kano Pillars and a Special Award was given to some distinguished personalities who have contributed to football development across the country to include, Director General of, National Directorate of Employment, Silas Agara and the Chairman State Football Association, Salisu Galadima among others.
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