Ali throws hat in ring for title

Kano Pillars playmaker Rabiu Ali has revealed that his team are ready to compete for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title this season.

The midfielder has witnessed the Kano club win four Nigerian league titles in 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and he believes they have sufficient playing personnel to contest for the title.

However, Ali knows that it will always be difficult to wrestle the title from their rivals, Enyimba, who are the defending champions, having won it a record seventh time.

He also stated that the Kano club have shook off their dismal performance of last season in which they finished a disappointing eighth position and 15 points off the champions.

“I am happy that we have started the season better than last year. It was a difficult for us last year after what happened at the start of the season when we were attacked by armed robbers. But it is different now. There are new players added to the team and they have added something different too.

“We have done well so far though we have lost one game this season. We are in second place and we need to continue giving our best. We want to win the title but it won’t be easy and we want to work hard for it,” Ali said.

Kano Pillars will be on the road this Sunday at Lobi Stars where they surrendered a three-goal lead to drop two points and ultimate see their title defence come to an end last season.

Ali recalled that it was heartbreaking witnessing that happen at the Aper Aku Stadium, and now hopes they can do better despite knowing Lobi, in fourth place, have also made a strong start – winning all of their home matches.

The Pillars deputy captain is confident they can leave the Aper Aku with a decent result.

Ali, nicknamed Pele by Kano Pillars fans, has scored three times in five appearances in the league this season with all of his goals coming in their 3-2 win over Cup holders Akwa United last weekend.