By Ahmad Elnafaty
Remarkably separated by two points in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings, Kano Pillars and high-flying Niger Tornadoes prepare for an intriguing battle at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Saturday.
Only Niger Tornadoes emerged triumphant from their last NPFL battle, easing past Sunshine Stars 4-1 while Kano Pillars suffered a defeat, losing 2-0 away against Sunshine Stars.
Masu Gida are currently 10th in the league table, five points behind the top-four with a game in hand, while Ikon Allah Boys are seventh, boasting 24 points from their first 17 games of the NPFL season.
The more recent head-to-head history makes unpleasant reading for Sai Masu Gida faithful, which is an indication of the size of their task as they have failed to win any of their last three NPFL matches against Ikon Allah Boys, including a 1-1 draw at Sani Abacha Stadium last term.
The fitness status of Kano Pillars captain Ahmed Musa, remains up in the air at this juncture, and the same goes for six others. Rabiu Ali will definitely miss out again on account of national team engagement (CHAN Eagles).
Both Pillars and Tornadoes will view Saturday’s contest as a strong opportunity to pick up maximum points, with the onus being on the former to turn up in front of the Kanawan Dabo crowd and ease the pressure on Usman Abd’Allah’s shoulders.
Neither side have looked strong from a defensive perspective this term, so goals at both ends could be on the cards, but the Ikon Allah Boys will want to do enough to frustrate the hosts and pick up a point on their travel, a result that would not massively benefit either team.