The magnificent Lafia City Stadium came alive as Kano Pillars outlasted Plateau United to lift the prestigious Gusau Ahlan Cup 2025.
It was a night of grit, flair and drama that kept the fans on the edge of their seats. Pillars started brightly, pressing hard for an early breakthrough, but Plateau United’s defence anchored by the solid pairing of Wisdom Ndon and Joshua Dabo stood firm and refused to be broken.
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Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa showed flashes of brilliance before a thigh injury forced him off, changing the rhythm of the contest. Plateau United then grew in confidence with Samuel Kalu leading several dangerous attacks, only to be denied by the towering Abdullahi Musa who held the line for Pillars. Ninety minutes produced no goals, sending the final into the drama of penalties.
From twelve yards, Kano Pillars kept their composure and converted all their spot-kicks. Goalkeeper Abuchi Destiny emerged as the hero with a decisive save that sealed the trophy for the Sai Masu Gida.
For the organizers, the success of the tournament was just as satisfying as the football on display. Coordinator Abahuraira Dahiru described the 2025 edition as the most successful yet, pointing to ten days of pure football excitement, the warm hospitality of the people of Nasarawa, and the seamless organization. He expressed confidence that the Gusau Ahlan Cup would return to Lafia again, not only for football but also for the special atmosphere created by the host state.
Individual awards added more colour to the closing ceremony:
Golden Boot: Umar Aliyu
Best Goalkeeper: Abuchi Destiny
Best Attacking Team: Nasarawa United with 10 goals in the tournament
The grand finale also drew an impressive roll call of dignitaries, including Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, and Alhaji Sheru Ahlan Inuwa, a board member of the NFF and head of the technical committee, alongside several top football administrators.
For Kano Pillars, the triumph was more than just another trophy. It was a strong statement ahead of the new season and a reminder that the giants from Kano remain a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian football.
