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NPFL: Evans Ogenyi lauds Kano Pillars’ fighting spirit despite defeat to Abia Warriors
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Kano Pillars head coach Evans Ogenyi has praised his players’ resilience despite their narrow 1-0 loss to Abia Warriors in the opening match of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on Sunday in Umuahia.
The only goal of the game came in the 35th minute when Paul Samson capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the hosts ahead.
Pillars dominated large spells of the contest and thought they had equalized deep into stoppage time, but the effort was controversially ruled out for offside.
Speaking after the game, Ogenyi described his side’s display as “fantastic” and highlighted the positives from the performance:
“The team is gelling well, and you must bear in mind that there is no perfect team anywhere in the world. We’ve seen both positives and negatives from today’s game, and we will go back, prepare, and approach the next match with even greater determination.”
Ogenyi emphasized his coaching philosophy of seriousness, resilience, and tactical discipline, noting that the squad showed signs of adapting to his methods.
Beyond the match, he urged Nigerian sports journalists to adopt a more analytical approach in their coverage of football:
“I want you all to be more analytical in your reportage of the game. That’s how we can collectively contribute to the development of football in this country.”
The coach also praised Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, who played the full 90 minutes, for his influence both on and off the pitch:
“Musa’s international status is a big motivational factor for the younger players. He’s a footballer who plays with his brain, and we kept him on the pitch for a reason. Beyond his touches, his psychological impact on the squad is immense, and I believe he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.”
Kano Pillars will now shift focus to their home opener against Wikki Tourists at the Sani Abacha Stadium, as the four-time NPFL champions aim to bounce back strongly and reaffirm their title credentials.
