By Amaechi Agbo

Daniel Ogunmodede’s tactical masterclass and Ahmed Musa’s electrifying display inspired Kano Pillars to a commanding 4-1 victory over early table toppers, Doma United of Gombe in the Matchday 4 of the 2026/2027 EUROMATCH-Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Ƙofar Mata.

The Sai Masu Gida came into the encounter determined to make their return to competitive action count and they immediately took control of the proceedings, applying pressure on the visitors and creating series of opportunities.

Their dominance finally paid off in the 19th minute when Abdullahi Musa broke the deadlock, calmly finishing after a well delivered ball from Fahad Usman, who registered his second assist of the season.

The four time NPFL Champions had the chance to extend their lead from the penalty spot in the 29th minute after Ahmed Musa wS brought down inside the box. However, Rabiu Ali was unable to convert the resulting spot kick as he blazes it over the goal post.

Just three minutes later, Rabiu Ali doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, with Ubong Friday providing the assist as Pillars went into the interval with a deserved 2-0 advantage.

Doma United returned from the break with greater attacking intent and were rewarded in the 53rd minute when Sadiq Rilwan pulled one back.

The goal changed the momentum of the contest with Doma United creating considerable pressure and posing problems for the Sai Masu Gida.

Ogunmodede, the Technical Adviser of the former Champions, responded with timely tactical adjustments, introducing fresh legs to the midfield and the attack to prevent the visitors from sustaining their pressure and to restore Kano Pillars’ control of the game.

In the 77th minute, Ahmed Musa produced a moment of brilliance to score Pillars’ third goal. The Kano State Sports Ambassador and Captain, delivered an outstanding individual performance, repeatedly troubling the Doma United defence and creating problems throughout the evening.

His performance earned him the SWAN Man of the Match Award.

A minute later, Ibrahim Sani Halliru and Yahaya Ibrahim were introduced for Ubong Friday and Rabiu Ali as the technical team continued to manage the game effectively.

In the 87th minute, Nasiru Salihu replaced the influential Ahmed Musa.

The substitute then put the finishing touch on an emphatic evening.

The victory takes Kano Pillars to seven points from three matches, with the Pride of Kano currently occupying their spot on the league table with a game in hand.

Speaking after the match, Technical Adviser, Daniel Ogunmodede, praised his team’s preparation a d resilience, acknowledging the difficulty of facing a Doma United side that had begun the campaign strongly.

“We expected a tough game because they have gone three matches unbeaten with nine points and never conceded but we prepared very well for them. Not playing last weekend gave us an ample opportunity to prepare more for them and no doubt, you could see they gave us a tough time,” Ogunmodede said.

He added that the team had to make tactical adjustments after Doma United reduced the deficit.

“We played to our strength. We tried to get two goals in the first half. The goal we conceded after the second half created a lot of pressure for us, which was why we brought in fresh faces in the midfield and attack to stop their center backs from taking the ball forward.”

The Sai Masu Gida will now turn their attention to Matchday 5, when they travel to Lagos on Wednesday to face Inter Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

The Sai Masu Gida will be  aiming to build on the convincing victory and continue their positive start to the 2026/2027 EUROMATCH-NPFL campaign.