Pillars, Katsina United face off in winner-takes-all clash

Nigerian football powerhouses, Kano Pillars and Katsina United will rekindle their rivalry as they clash in the winner-takes-all Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Playoff final match today at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba, in Delta State.

While a draw will seal a quick return to the Nigerian topflight for former champions Kano Pillars, Katsina United must win to stand any chance of returning to the NPFL.

Kano Pillars have recorded two straight victories against group opponents, EFCC and DMD of Maiduguri to amass six points but Katsina United put themselves into a tight corner after they faltered in a shocking 1-2 loss to the less fancied EFCC in their second match.

Therefore, Katsina United must beat their arch-rivals by a wide margin while hoping that DMD would do them a favour by denying EFCC a win in their final match.

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However, if Katsina United and EFCC record victories, they will catch up with Kano Pillars on six points and the two promotion slots would be decided on goal difference.

The Technical Adviser of Katsina United, Usman Abd’allah, has charged his wards to take the fight to their opponents as he said they can’t afford to disappoint their teeming fans.

“We have our backs to the wall so we are going to fight. The odds are heavily against us but we won’t give up.

“We also have a chance to pick one of the tickets because the group is still open,” said the former Enyimba, Wikki Tourists coach.

Meanwhile, to avert match-fixing, the Nigeria National League has ruled that the last set of matches in both conferences will be played at the same time at different venues.

Following the outcome of the meeting with the eight clubs, Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba and Jay Jay Okocha Stadium in Ogashi-Uku will host the final matches.

So, based on the new arrangement, the potentially explosive clash in the Northern Conference between Kano Pillars and Katsina United will hold 1pm at the Stephen Keshi Stadium just as the second match between EFCC and DMD will hold at the same time at Jay Jay Okocha Stadium.

In the Southern Conference, Heartland FC of Owerri vs Sporting Lagos is scheduled for the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba at 3pm while Stormers SC and FC One Rocket clash in Ogwashi-Uku at the same time.