Kano Pillars FC beat Plateau United to claim the top prize at the 4th edition of the Gusau/Ahlan Cup, at the magnificent Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
The game which drew out crowds from across the globe saw Kano Pillars dominate the early proceedings, but were unable to break the defence lead by former Akwa United ace in Wisdom Ndon, who formed an unbreakable partnership with Joshua Dabo.
Veteran Ahmed Musa caused some problems for the peace boys, but got withdrawn after injuring his thigh. The game was witnessed by the number one citizen of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Ibrahim Gusau.
Samuel Kalu push the Plateau United attack but a stumbling block was met by Abdullahi Musa, who stood at tall to deny Plateau United from scoring as the game ended goalless.
The game was however decided by the lottery of penalty shootouts which Abuchi Destiny once denied Plateau United from the spot as Kano Pillars claimed the day after converting all their spot kicks to become the new Champions of the Gusau Ahlan Cup.
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, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, appreciated the NFF President 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.
Meanwhile, 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 season, which will begin next weekend across different match venues.
Sixteen Teams from the 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.
Also speaking, chairman Nasarawa State football Association, Salisu Usman Galadima thanked the executive governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule for accepting to host the tournament and also the NFF President for accepting to host the event in Nasarawa State.
“Nasarawa State have shown that it is indeed the hub of sports in the country,” he said. “We have successfully hosted one of the best Preseason tournaments in Nigeria and we will continue to build on the success of today’s tournament.”
High point of the event was the presentation of the Trophy and medals to the champions Kano Pillars, with Pillars Aliyu Umar winning the golden boot with Five goals while Nasarawa United emerged best attacking Team with 10 goals.
A special award was given to some distinguished personalities who have contributed to football development across the country which include, Director General of, National Directorate of Employment, Silas Agara.
Also, the Commissioner for Justice, Barrister lsaac Danladi and the Chairman State Football Association, Salisu Galadima among others, were given special awards.