September 16, (THEWILL) – Rabiu Abdullahi’s 56-minute goal saved host Bayelsa United from a defeat in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season week 2 fixture against Kano Pillars at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Sunday.
Experienced Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Ladan Bosso, made a few changes to the team that lost to Sunshine Stars last weekend in Ijebu-Ode.
The Sai Masu Gida side, who dominated proceedings, created early scoring opportunities in the opening minutes, which paid off in the 40th minute when Auwal Malam picked up a cross outside the visitors’ danger zone to beat Bayelsa United goaltender, Clinton Andy.
Not satisfied with the team’s performance in the first half, coach Ladan Bosso introduced Auwal Sadiq, Rabiu Abdullahi and Prosperity Cup discovery Foluwa Akpokabowei, in place of Hadi Mohammed, John Bassey and Emo James.
The changes, however, became the turning point in the game for the host as Solomon Akpokabowei turned out to be a thorn in the flesh of Kano Pillars’ defence line to the admiration of fans at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Abdullah’s strike in the 56th minute outside the box beat the visitors’ goalkeeper for the leveller, restoring parity for the Prosperity Boys to send the fans at the stadium into a frenzy.
The goal spurred United to get the winner as Pillars were looking jaded in the remaining minutes of the game. Despite pushing hard for a winner, the Prosperity Boys were unable to break down Kano Pillars’ resilient defence.
Coach Bosso, in a post-match interview, said the lads gave their best despite the point dropped, stating that the team will learn from its mistakes as the league progresses.
Bosso also heaped praises on debutant Akpokabowei, who was playing professional football for the first time, noting that he made a significant difference after coming on from the bench.
The draw leaves Bayelsa United in 17th position in the league table with one point after two games and will next travel to Enugu to face Rangers Int’l on matchday three.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
