NFF backs Pillars to move mountains

Kano Pillars CAF Champions League first round second leg match against Morocco’s Moghreb Tetouan tomorrow in Kano, will be an early afternoon kick-off.

Kano Pillars

The match will begin at 2pm local time, according to Pillars spokesman Idris Malikawa.

Pillars were thrashed 4-0 in the first leg in Morocco.

In the meantime, Pillars midfielder Oneji Otekpa has ruled himself out of the weekend clash against the Moroccan champions.

Otekpa was one of five Kano pillars players hospitalised in the unfortunate armed robbery attack on the way to a league game.

The former Enyimba star said, “I will begin training today(Thursday) so I will not be available for selection for the game.

“But I believe in the ability of the team to deliver the needed result. Some may think that scoring five goals may be impossible, but remember that in football nothing is impossible and with God on our side I believe we can do it.”

He added, “It is true that we would be missing some of our key players like Gambo Mohammed but I have confidence that the players we have in the squad can do the job on Saturday.”

The Moroccan club are expected in Kano on Friday.

NFF backs Pillars to move mountains

The Nigeria Football Federation is backing champions Kano Pillars to surmount the mountain of a four-goal deficit in this weekend’s CAF Champions League first round, second leg clash with Moghreb Athletic Tetouane of Morocco.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said yesterday that the Kano-based side with a mass following is capable of springing a magical turnaround and reach the second round of the continent’s most prestigious club competition.

“Pillars have the players, the following and the support of the Government of that State to turn things around. We have also assured them of the Federation’s support and we will be there to cheer them up.

“Already, Dolphins FC has lost out in this year’s continental club competitions. We want the remaining teams to stay in there and challenge for honours. The NFF is also giving full support to Enyimba FC and Warri Wolves in their away games.”

The Nigeria Football Federation has already sent Dr. Robinson Okosun of the Technical Department to help psyche up Pillars’ players ahead of the Saturday showdown at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Enyimba FC take a one-goal advantage to Egypt’s second city, Alexandria where they take on Smouha FC on Sunday, starting from 5pm Egypt time.

Warri Wolves’ delegation is also off to Ethiopia, where they play Dedebit FC also on Sunday. The Nigerian flagbearers have a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.