Rabiu Ali scored a brace on Thursday for Kano Pillars to beat visiting River United 2-0 in 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League fixture.
The match, which was played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, was watched by large number of spectators, including Super Eagles coaches, Gernot Rohr and Salisu Yusuf, as well as players of home-based Eagles.
Goals in the 52nd and 57th minutes of rescheduled week 27 fixture gave Kano Pillars victory.
Kano Pillars’ coach, Ibrahim Musa, told newsmen after the match that he was satisfied with the outcome of the match adding that he was happy that his boys played according to instructions.
On their next home match against league leaders, Plateau United, Musa said his team would pick the maximum points.
Ema Joseph, Assistant Coach of Rivers United, also commended his team for their fighting spirit.
Joseph said: “Although, we lost the match but I can say that my boys played well and we will go back to the drawing board in order to win our remaining matches.”
The Man of the Match award was presented to the winner, Pillars captain, Rabiu Ali, by Rohr.
Pillars now have 47 points from 32 matches and will play against plateau United on Sunday.