COMPETITION: 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League
MATCH NO.: Match Day 02
VENUE: Samson Siasia stadium, Yenegoa
DATE: Sunday, 15the September 2024
TIME: 4:00 PM
Kano Pillars FC will aim to continue their winning start to the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season when they face Bayelsa United in Yenagoa this Sunday. After an emphatic 3-0 home victory over Ikorodu City on Match Day 1, the Sai Masu Gida will be determined to carry that momentum into an away fixture at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Team Form and Recent Performance
In the season opener, veteran club captain, Rabiu Ali delivered a stellar performance, netting twice, while Mustapha Umar added another to secure all three points. Zulkifilu Muhammed and Yusuf Bala Maigoro were instrumental in providing assists, showcasing a well-rounded team effort. Kano Pillars displayed their characteristic defensive solidity, which head coach Usman Shariff Abdallah emphasized during his post-match briefing.
Bayelsa United, on the other hand, is known for their attacking prowess despite some inconsistencies in their league form. Last season, they were the top-scoring team in the league despite finishing near the bottom of the table in the first stanza. The Pillars’ defense will need to be at its best to counter the offensive threats posed by Bayelsa’s attackers.
Coach’s Insights
In the pre-match press conference, Kano Pillars’ Technical Adviser Usman Abdallah, expressed his respect for Bayelsa United’s offensive abilities, noting their resilience and goal-scoring capacity from the previous season.
“Bayelsa may have struggled early on last season, but they were the highest-scoring team. That’s something we cannot overlook,” Abdallah remarked. “My philosophy as a coach is to ensure our defense is impenetrable, and that will be crucial in this match.”
Despite praising Bayelsa United’s attack, Abdallah remains optimistic about getting a positive result in Yenagoa, stating that Pillars’ solid defense will be key to controlling the game and securing valuable points on the road.
Head-to-Head Record
Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United have met several times in recent seasons, with the Sai Masu Gida holding the upper hand in their previous encounters. Out of the last four matches between the two sides, Kano Pillars have won twice, while Bayelsa United managed a single victory.
- Kano Pillars 2-0 Bayelsa United
- Bayelsa United 1-1 Kano Pillars
- Kano Pillars 3-0 Bayelsa United
- Bayelsa United 2-1 Kano Pillars
Team News
For Kano Pillars, there’s good news as Bright Emmanuel has been cleared to travel with the squad after missing the season opener due to registration issues. His return will provide additional options for Coach Abdallah.
However, striker Mustapha Salisu remains unavailable as he serves the final match of his three-game suspension following a red card incident in the penultimate game of last season. His absence will be felt, but Salisu is expected to return for Kano Pillars’ next game against Remo Stars.
Key Facts
- Kano Pillars have won 50% of their last four matches against Bayelsa United.
- Bayelsa United were the top-scoring team in the league last season, despite their early struggles.
- Kano Pillars’ defense has kept a clean sheet in their last match and will aim to repeat that feat in Yenagoa.
Last Four League Matches
Kano Pillars
- Kwara United 2-0 Kano Pillars
- Plateau United 1-1 Kano Pillars
- Kano Pillars 3-2 Lobi Stars
- Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City
Bayelsa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Bayelsa United
- Bayelsa United 2-1 Shooting Stars
- Bendel Insurance 0-2 Bayelsa United
- Sunshine Stars 3-0 Bayelsa United
Media & Communication Directorate, Kano Pillars FC
