Kano Pillars on Wednesday defeated Rivers United 1-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna in the NPFL matchday six final fixture.

High on confidence having recorded a 3-0 win over South Africa’s Bloemfontein Celtic (5-0 agg) in Port Novo last weekend, Rivers United came into this game second on the table and hoping for a result that would see them topple Nasarawa United at the summit of the log.

However, Kano Pillars who have largely been consistent this season took the lead in the 19th minute.

Full-Time@Nyimason28’s goal in the 20th minute was all enough to give 10-men #SaiMasuGida a 1-0 victory over visiting @RiversUnitedFC.

Pillars 1-0 Rivers Utd pic.twitter.com/WWOIa6OjdM

— Kano Pillars FC Official (@pillarsfc) January 27, 2021

Nyima Nwagua got the crucial goal having reacted fast to a spill of the ball from veteran goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai.

Sai Masu Gida held on tenaciously onto their slim lead as they finished the half in front.

The hosts were however reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute after Abbas Rabiu received the marching orders following a second bookable offence which led to Rivers United throwing more men forward to try to level the game.

Time eventually ran out and Kano Pillars move up to 5th on the log with that win as Rivers remain 2nd on the table.

After Matchday 6️⃣…@NasarawaUnited go 🔝#NPFL21 pic.twitter.com/apPDx5J4t4

— League Management NG (@LMCNPFL) January 27, 2021

Rivers United will be hoping to return to winning ways when they play host to struggling Adamawa United in their next game while Kano Pillars have a tougher task ahead as they make the trip to Uyo to face Akwa United in matchday seven in the Nigerian Professional Football League