Kano Pillars FC have emerged champions of the 2019 Federation Cup, also known as Aiteo Cup on the 28th of July 2019.
Sai Masu Gida, as they are fondly called, beat Niger Tornadoes 4-3 on penalties after both teams had played a barren draw in regulation period.
With the win, Kano Pillars FC receive ₦25 million as prize money for winning the title while Niger Tornadoes receive ₦10 million.
Earlier before the men’s final, Nasarawa Amazons dethroned Rivers Angels 4-3 on penalties to win the 2019 Women’s Aiteo Cup.
As expected, both teams started on a cautious note though Pillars had the upper hand in terms of the ball possession.
There were no real clear cut chances in the first half.
With the first half failing to produce any goals, there was some level of urgency at the start of the second half.
Pillars almost broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half but the free kick taken by captain Alli was a bit high.
Pillars continued piling the pressure on their opponents but goalkeeper Mustapha Aliko was up and doing as his spectacular saves kept Tornadoes in the game.
Pillars almost found a way in the 72nd minute when substitute Yusuf Maigoro lobbed the ball over Tornadoes’ goalkeeper but the ball hit the cross bar before it was hurriedly cleared away.
With no goals from both teams, the game went into penalties and it was Pillars that had the last laugh, winning 4-3.
Kano Pillars FC
Kano Pillars Football Club is a Nigerian football club based in Kano. They play in the top division in Nigerian football, the Nigerian Premier League. Their home stadium is Sani Abacha Stadium. Kano Pillars FC was founded in 1990, the year in which the professional association football league started in Nigeria. It was an amalgamation of three amateur clubs in Kano State, which gave birth to Kano Pillars FC.
