Kano Pillars go toe to toe with Rivers United in one of the standout games in the opening match day of the 2019-20 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The contest takes centre stage at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano this Sunday from 4pm.

The last time the two sides set (at the 2019 Ahlan Cup pre-season tournament) in the same stadium, Rivers United won 1-0 thanks to a Malachi Ohawume strike.

It was however a pre-season game and the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s contest will be different with a lot more at stake.

Pillars are one of the traditional sides in Nigeria and will be looking to make a positive start to their league campaign this term.

The Kano club have reinforced admirably with Abdullahi Musa, Nasiru Sani, Stone Samuel, Alaekwe Chijeoke, , Meshack Chukwubuike, Usman Musa and Kelly Kester all teaming up.

Pillars completed their pre-season exertions with two tune up games in Kaduna against Niger Tornadoes and local side, TMS FC.

Sai Masu Gida looked in fine fettle in both games and defensive midfielder, Kelly Kester is certain Pillars will get the win on Sunday.

“Though they (Rivers United) defeated us in the pre-season tournament in Kano but this (game on Sunday) is the real deal,” Kester told the official Rivers United FC website.

Rivers United captain, Festus Austine however stated that lightening will strike twice and predicted a win for the ‘Pride Of Rivers”.

Sammy Wejinya