Rabiu Ali’s brace sinks Rivers United

.Emerges Man of the Match

By Taofeek Babalola

Two second half goals from Kano Pillars’ stand-in captain Rabiu Ali ensured that Sai Masu Gida defeated Rivers United 2-0 in a rescheduled matchday 27 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Thursday.

After a goalless first half, Kano Pillars finally broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute via Rabiu Ali’s penalty after Amos Gyang was fouled inside the box.

Ali netted his second goal in the 58th minute, finishing off a cross to make it 2-0 and sealed all important three points for the Pyramid City outfit.

At the end of the game, Ali was adjudged the best player in the game by the journalists who were present at the stadium.

The award was presented to him by the Super Eagles technical adviser,  Gernot Rohr.

The match was watched by the Super Eagles technical crew which include Salisu Yusuf, Imama Amakapabo, Aloy Agu.

The win moved Kano Pillars from 10th to 9th with 47 points in the NPFL table while Rivers United remain 16th on the log on 41 points, just a point away from the relegation zone.