Pillars bounce back in NPFL, Enyimba lose to Pirates in Confed Cup

KANO Pillars returned to winning ways in the Nigeria Professional Football League with a 2-0 win over Kwara United on Wednesday.

Rabiu Ali scored a 61st minute penalty and Usman Babalolo netted in added time to give Pillars victory over the Ilorin side who dropped to second in the table.

Pillars, who lost 4-1 at Abia Warriors on Sunday, moved up to third, level on 27 points with first-placed Rangers and second-placed Kwara United.

Also on Wednesday, Heartland defeated Wikki Tourists 2-0 with first-half goals from Emeka Atuloma and Kingsley Maduforo.

Warri Wolves and Jigawa Golden Stars played out a 0-0 draw, while Rivers United defeated MFM in Port Harcourt.

In a continental fixture also on Wednesday, Enyimba lost 2-1 to Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium in South Africa in a CAF Confederation Cup Group A clash.

The hosts scored first in the 27th minute through Deon Hotto but Enyimba were back on level terms before the break.

Austin Oladapo scored from the penalty spot in first-half added time to haul the Aba Elephants back into the game.

Pirates scored the winner and broke Enyimba’s heart in the 89th minute, Tshegofatso Mabasa striking the decisive blow.

With the result, Pirates shot to the top of the group table with four points from two matches, one spot and one point above Enyimba.

NPFL results 

Heartland 2-0 Wikki Tourists

Warri Wolves 0-0 Jigawa Golden Stars

Rivers United 2-0 MFM

Akwa United 1-0 FC Ifeanyi Ubah

Kano Pillars 2-0 Kwara United

Adamawa United 1-1 Abia Warriors