Kano Pillars have won the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for the third successive time. They now join Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland) and Enyimba as the only Nigerian clubs to have won the premier division three times on the bounce.
SuperSport’s George Akpayen reports that the Kano club emerged champions of the Nigerian top flight after defeating relegated Nembe City 4-0 on Sunday.
The League Management Company announced via its Twitter account: “It is technically official! Kano Pillars are Glo Premier League champions for a third consecutive season.”
Azeez Shobowale scored twice while Gambo Mohammed returning from injury after several weeks out with a thigh injury got among the goals. The prolific Adamu Hassan also scored as Kano Pillars ran over City 4-0.
Second-placed Enyimba could not keep up the pressure and force the title race down to the final day as they held Dolphins to a 1-1.
Chidiebere Okolie put Dolphins ahead after 54 minutes and Enyimba were left to toil before Mfon udoh scored 21 minutes later.
Kano Pillars, now on 65 points, have opened a four-point lead over Enyimba, making the final game between the two sides next Sunday just elementary.
Warri Wolves who could have also forced the title race to the final day played out a surprise a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Gombe United.
Nazim Abutrika gave Gombe United a shock lead inside the opening of the quarter of an hour. Chigozie Agbim saved a penalty off Gbolahan Salami to preserve Gombe United’s lead.
But Agbim could not keep out Oghenekaro Etebo’s stunner in the 64th minute. Wolves remain in third place on 60 points.
Abia Warriors and Nasarawa United are fourth and fifth respectively. Nasarawa United played a 0-0 draw at Rangers while goals from Marshall Okoro, Chisom Chikatara and Chima Uluocha helped Abia Warriors to a 3-0 win over Sharks.
