Kano Pillars’ under-15 team on Monday defeated their ABS FC of Ilorin counterparts 3-1 in the opening match of the NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises Tournament in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament which kicked off on Monday at the FIFA Goal Project astro-turf pitch of the Abuja National Stadium will end on Friday.
Kano Pillars began on the front foot, opening scoring through Ibrahim Haliru barely three minutes into the encounter.
However, ABS FC gradually came into the game and got the equaliser six minutes later through team captain Aliyu
Abdullahi from the penalty kick spot after an infringement.
The second half began just as the first, with Kano Pillars dominating possession and mounting pressure on the defence of their opponents.
The Kano-based team were clearly the better side as they added two more goals through Khalid Mohammed, to put the game beyond the reach of the defending champions.
Suleiman Ibrahim, the coach of Kano Pillars U15, said his players performed according to instructions, in spite of some momentary loss of concentration.
Laaro Ajadi, the coach of ABS FC U15, said his wards played well, but complained that the Kano boys were much bigger.
He went on to suggest that the Kano boys may be above the age limit.
In other matches also played on Monday, Lobi Stars U15 pipped Gombe United U15 1-0, while Katsina United U15 walked over Wikki Tourists U15.
NAN also reports that a total of 20 teams are taking part in the five-day tournament holding at four zones across the country.(NAN)