Pillars to extend winning start

Kano Pillars will hope to continue an impressive winning start to the season when they host newly promoted Bayelsa United on Wednesday.

Champions Pillars beat Wikki Tourists 1-0 in Bauchi in a Week 1 clash, before they saw off Confederation Cup holders AC Leopard of Congo 4-1 in a CAF Champions League second round tie.

Pillars coach Mohamed Babaganaru has said that they now wish to turn back Bayelsa United, who have often proved a tough nut to crack in Kano.

"We are taking each game as they come, they are all important games to us. We are ready for Bayelsa United. They are always a difficult team when they visit here, but we are set for a favourable game and result," he said

Pillars were in action at the weekend in the Champions League, while their opponents rested, but Babaganaru said that was a plus, not a minus, for them.

"That we played at the weekend won't affect us, in fact it improved the players’ fitness ahead of this game. Nigerian clubs need regular matches now as rustiness has shown in almost all the clubs. So, we were at an advantage having played at the weekend," Babaganaru said.

The champions will be without striker Gambo Mohammed and Gabriel Reuben, who are away with the national team for this weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Kenya this weekend.

Bayelsa United goalkeeper Emmanuel Fabiyi said that he has yet to lose against Pillars in Kano and wishes this to continue.

"I have never lost a game to Kano Pillars in Kano in my career till date. I went there with Enyimba, Bayelsa and Tornadoes, so this time around I want that to be sustained. We are a good side and we will give them a good fight," Fabiyi chimed.

Incidentally, Bayelsa will be led by coach Ladan Bosso, who left Pillars under a cloud two seasons ago for Wikki Tourists.