Namo saves Pillars’ blushes in Kano

Kano Pillars © 4to-sports.com

Kano Pillars were saved the embarrassment of suffering their first home defeat of the season by stoppage time equaliser from substitute Victor Namo against Sharks Football Club at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

 The Blue Angels took the lead through striker Victor Ezeji before Namo’s late goal ensured that the former Nigerian champions, Pillars, shared the spoils.

The game at the packed Kano stadium started with frenetic pace, as Kano Pillars got off the blocks fastest with darting runs from both flanks.

But it was John Obuh’s men that stunned the home side and their fans when the Kanoo Pillars’ defence failed to clear before Ezeji tapped in from close range to hand the Blue Angels a shock lead.

After that goal, Kano Pillars took control of the midfield with Joseph Thompson and Reuben Gabriel pulling the strings.

However, it was Sharks’ goalkeeper, Okiemute Odah, that stood between Kano Pillars and an equaliser.

Kano Pillars’ big forward, Gambo Muhammed, was also profligate in front of goal at one point in the first half trying to chip Odah when he should have just shot at goal.

But Muhammed also saw two goal-bound attempts come off the upright in his efforts to get on the score sheet.

Attacking midfielder, Rabiu Ali, who was sent into the fray by acting head coach, Baba Ganaru, also tried from long range but was foiled by goalkeeper Odah.

Odah was ensured that the Blue Angels remained in the lead on 65 minutes after palming away a free kick from Ali from 25 yards.

Inside the last 10 minutes of the game, Muhammed had rounded off two defenders of Sharks inside the penalty area but scoffed the chance wide and ended up with a wry smile as time was ticking fast away with his side one goal down.

But it was Namo, grieving the death of his father, who became the hero with a sweet finish from the tightest of angles to stop Sharks from getting their first away win against Pillars in the topflight.