NPFL: Kano Pillars’ derby penalty reshapes the chase for Rangers

Kano Pillars beat 10-man Ranchers Bees 1-0 in Saturday's northern derby at the Sani Abacha Stadium, and Yahaya Ibrahim's 75th-minute penalty moved them up to second in the NPFL, two points behind leaders Enugu Rangers.

The visitors were down to 10 men from the 63rd minute, when Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu was sent off. Twelve minutes later, Ibrahim stepped up from the spot to settle a game that had been goalless at half-time.

Pillars now have 22 points from 13 games and are unbeaten in five at home. Rangers had 24 points from 11 going into Sunday's trip to Niger Tornadoes, and Soccernet looked at what Rangers' games in hand are worth earlier in the week.

‘We stuck to our game plan'

Kano Pillars first assistant coach Kamil Folarin said afterwards that his side went in with a clear plan because of the fixture's history as a local derby, in comments reported by Complete Sports.

We stuck to our game plan, and thankfully, it worked for us.

Ranchers Bees stay in the bottom part of the table on 12 points.

Barau held by Doma

Matchday 13 began on Friday with Shooting Stars' late win over Bendel Insurance. In Saturday's other game, Doma United and Barau FC drew 0-0. The point leaves Barau fourth on 20 points, with Doma eighth on 17.

Analysis: Why Pillars' chase depends on Rangers' spare games

Second place looks good, but the table flatters Kano a little. They have played two more games than Rangers, so the real gap could be as wide as eight points if the leaders win both games in hand, while two Rangers defeats would leave the sides two points apart with games level.

Saturday followed a pattern that suits a side built on home form: patient for an hour, then decisive once the numbers turned in their favour. The test is whether that control travels, because the chase for Rangers will be decided as much on the road as in Kano.

Pillars travel to Lagos next to face Ikorodu City, a trip that will show whether their form holds away from the Sani Abacha Stadium.