Sikiru Alimi announced his return to the EUROMATCHNPFL with a stunning goal for Kano Pillars in Friday’s fixture at Kun Khalifat FC that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Kano Pillars head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, decided to leave the trip of Alimi, Rabiu Ali and Ahmed Musa who returned after an illness on the bench for the trip to Owerri against Kun Khalifat FC.
Ubong Friday and Yahaya Ibrahim who were not out-and-out strikers led the attack for Ogunmodede’s side.
Kun Khalifat head coach Obinna Uzoho made three changes to the starting side that lost at Enyimba the last time with Peter Ikechukwu, Chima Deruo and Chidera Oparaocha making way for Ebunobi Onyedika, Chukwuma Agor and Benjamin Onyedikachi.
The first 45 minutes was balanced though Kano Pillars forward Yahaya fashioned the best opportunity midway into the half when he skipped past his marker before watching his attempt being palmed out to safety by Kun Khalifat goalkeeper Esomchi Ekwujuru.
The early moments of the second half offered little in terms of attacking play which led to Ogunmodede sending on Ahmed Musa and Sikiru Alimi for Ubong Friday and Justus Ohanu on 57 minutes while Uzoho responded with a like-for-like change with Stanley Otu replacing Onyedikachi five minutes later.
It was Ogunmodede’s change that unlocked the game. Running off the shoulder of Kun Khalifat’s defence, Alimi picked a pass from the near side then switched into the middle with the aim of playing Ahmed Musa through, but the ball bubbled off a Kun Khalifat player and allowed the striker to shoot from the edge of the box into the net beyond Ekwujuru. Alimi needed only 17 minutes to make an impact.
It was Alimi’s first goal in over two league appearances in 53 minutes since returning from his time abroad.
Kano Pillars thought they would hold on to their slim lead in order to earn their first win on the road this season but failed to do so.
Kun Khalifat won a late spot kick which Ebuka Okoro converted for the share of the points.
The draw however propelled Kano Pillars to within two points of league leaders Rangers International who play at home on Sunday against Kwara United.
The matchday continues on Sunday and Monday with eight matches while the game between Sporting Lagos and Rivers United billed for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos has been postponed.