Sports
NPFL MD 19 Preview: Kano Pillars Vs Heartland FC
NPFL MD 19 Preview: Kano Pillars Vs Heartland FC
January 20, 2024
By Muzammil Dalha Yola
Kano- The upcoming NPFL Match Day 19 clash between Kano Pillars and Heartland FC on sunday 21st January, 2024 is poised to be an intense battle at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Kano Pillars, currently sitting in 6th position with 29 points, will face off against Heartland FC of Owerri, who are in the 20th and last position with 16 points.
In what promises to be a thrilling encounter, the match will be held behind closed doors, with an absence of fans due to current restrictions. This sets the stage for a showdown where the fervent support of the fans will be sorely missed, intensifying the pressure on the players to deliver a compelling performance.
The historical head-to-head record between the two teams adds an intriguing dimension to the upcoming match, having met 33 times in the past. Kano Pillars have emerged victorious on 11 occasions, while Heartland FC has secured 12 wins. The tight competition is further underscored by the fact that 10 of their encounters have culminated in draws.
As both teams gear up to take the field, these statistics hint at a closely contested and fiercely competitive affair. With Kano Pillars aiming to further solidify their position in the standings, and Heartland FC fervently seeking to climb out of the 20th spot, the match is set to be a captivating battle of skill, fortitude, and determination.
As eager fans yearn for the return to attending matches in person, the absence of spectators at the Sani Abacha Stadium will undoubtedly add a unique dynamic to the encounter. Despite the silence in the stands, the passion, and fervor on the pitch are expected to resonate loudly as the players strive to leave an indelible mark on the outcome of the match.
Undoubtedly, the impending clash between Kano Pillars and Heartland FC holds the promise of an enthralling encounter, where every pass, shot, and tackle will carry the weight of ambition and aspiration for both teams.
About The Author
Barau Football Club on Monday extended their unbeaten run in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Ikorodu City at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano.
The Matchday 24 encounter saw the Kano-based side secure maximum points against the Lagos outfit, continuing their impressive run in the league.
Barau FC forward, Uche Moses, scored the decisive goal in the 29th minute, firing into the roof of the net from close range after a fine cross from Hillary Ekawu.
It was Moses’ second goal of the season.Both teams created chances to alter the scoreline, but resilient defending and impressive goalkeeping ensured no further goals were recorded.
Barau FC goalkeeper, Chisom Chiaha, produced a series of crucial saves to preserve the lead and secure the victory for the hosts.
The win moved Barau FC to 13th position on the NPFL table with 30 points from 24 matches, easing their relegation concerns.
Speaking after the match, Barau FC Head Coach, Eugene Agagbe, expressed confidence in his team’s survival prospects.
“As I said earlier, Barau FC will escape the relegation zone within seven matches. We now have just two matches left from that target,” Agagbe said.
He commended the players, management and supporters for their commitment, noting that remaining unbeaten in five matches was no small achievement.
“Our focus is now on the remaining fixtures as we push for a strong finish to the season,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uche Moses was named Man of the Match by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, following his match-winning performance.
Midfielder Nana Abraham was booked in the 84th minute of the encounter.
Barau FC will next face Rivers United away in Matchday 25 before returning to Kano to host Kun Khalifat FC in Matchday 26 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.
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Kano Pillars coach, Muhammed Babaganaru, has assured supporters that the club will retain its Premier League status despite its current position at the bottom of the log.
Muhammed gave the assurance during a post-match interaction on Wednesday in Katsina, shortly after Pillars defeated visiting Kun Khalifat 2–1 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in the ongoing annual football competition.
He urged fans to remain calm, insisting that the four-time league champions would not suffer relegation.
According to him, the team will be reinforced once the transfer window reopens. He said new signings would help strengthen weak areas and improve overall performance.
Muhammed said only productive players would be retained, adding that those performing below expectation would be released.
He also appealed to supporters to continue praying for the club, saying their backing remains critical to achieving the set targets.
Pillars captain, Rabiu Ali scored two goals to increase his season tally to six goals.
Kano Pillars, who have won the Nigerian Premier League on four occasions, slipped into the relegation zone after their banishment to Katsina following crowd troubles in their 1–1 draw with Shooting Stars of Ibadan.
The club now has 12 points and is scheduled to travel to Warri, Delta State, this week for a crucial encounter with Warri Wolves.
In a related development, Barau Football Club played out a goalless draw against hosts El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri as the league entered the latter part of its first phase.
With the draw, the Kano-based side now has 17 points and one outstanding home fixture against Rivers United. Barau FC will host Shooting Stars of Ibadan on Sunday.
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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has fined Katsina United N9 million and ordered the club to play its home matches behind closed doors following disturbances during its Matchday 12 fixture against Barau FC.
In a statement on Sunday, the NPFL said the sanctions followed several breaches of its Framework and Rules, including poor crowd control, harassment of match officials, and actions capable of bringing the league into disrepute.
The Disciplinary Committee said N1 million was imposed for throwing objects onto the pitch, N1 million for failure to control fans, and another N1 million for conduct deemed to have tarnished the image of the league.
The body also fined the club N2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during the match.
It said Katsina United would pay an additional N2 million as compensation for persons injured during the incident and another N2 million for damages to Barau FC’s team buses and for detaining match officials and the visiting team after the game.
The NPFL further directed that the club’s subsequent home matches be played at the New Jos Stadium, behind closed doors, pending further review.
It said the decision was taken to safeguard the league, protect players and officials, and reinforce its zero-tolerance stance on violence at match venues.
Katsina United have 48 hours to appeal the ruling.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has fined Katsina United N9 million and ordered the club to play its home matches behind closed doors following disturbances during its Matchday 12 fixture against Barau FC.
In a statement on Sunday, the NPFL said the sanctions followed several breaches of its Framework and Rules, including poor crowd control, harassment of match officials, and actions capable of bringing the league into disrepute.
The Disciplinary Committee said N1 million was imposed for throwing objects onto the pitch, N1 million for failure to control fans, and another N1 million for conduct deemed to have tarnished the image of the league.
The body also fined the club N2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during the match.
It said Katsina United would pay an additional N2 million as compensation for persons injured during the incident and another N2 million for damages to Barau FC’s team buses and for detaining match officials and the visiting team after the game.
The NPFL further directed that the club’s subsequent home matches be played at the New Jos Stadium, behind closed doors, pending further review.
It said the decision was taken to safeguard the league, protect players and officials, and reinforce its zero-tolerance stance on violence at match venues.
Katsina United have 48 hours to appeal the ruling.
About The Author
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