Kano Pillars Technical Adviser Daniel Ogunmodede has praised his players for their determination and fighting spirit after the Sai Masu Gida secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Katsina United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 9 encounter.
Sports247 reports that the result brought an end to Kano Pillars’ five-match winless streak, providing a timely boost for the club and its supporters following a difficult run of results.
Speaking after the fiercely contested derby, Ogunmodede expressed satisfaction with his team’s response under pressure, describing the victory as an important reward for the players’ commitment.
‘The Boys Gave Everything to Win the Derby’
Ogunmodede acknowledged the pressure surrounding the team before the encounter, particularly after failing to secure victory in their previous five league matches.
“I will congratulate the boys for putting up a fight in the game. We had not tasted a win in the last five games, and they delivered in the derby,” Ogunmodede said.
The coach explained that the players understood the importance of securing maximum points against their regional rivals.
“Congratulations to the team for breaking the jinx and winning for the coach and the fans. They were under pressure, especially as they started the game,” he added.
For the Kano Pillars technical adviser, the result represented more than three points, offering renewed confidence after a challenging period.
‘We Attacked and Defended Well’
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Ogunmodede praised the balance between attacking effectiveness and defensive organisation.
“That was a good goal. We attacked well and defended well to get the maximum points with a clean sheet,” he explained.
The narrow victory highlighted Kano Pillars’ ability to protect their advantage while preventing Katsina United from finding an equaliser.
Keeping a clean sheet was particularly significant for a team seeking to rebuild confidence after several disappointing results.
The coach believes such disciplined performances will be important as the Sai Masu Gida attempt to establish greater consistency in the league.
The Kano Pillars boss also addressed the absence of Ahmed Musa, revealing that the player was receiving medical attention.
“Ahmed is sick and currently receiving medical attention in Kaduna,” Ogunmodede disclosed.
Although the coach did not provide further details about the player’s condition or a possible return date, the update explained his absence from the team’s immediate plans.
‘Winning Has Always Been My Motivation’
Ogunmodede also reiterated his commitment to delivering positive results, insisting that winning remains central to his responsibilities as a football coach.
“It is part of my job to win. I like winning because that is what I am paid for. For three decades now, winning has always been my motive,” he stated.
His remarks reflected his determination to restore Kano Pillars’ competitiveness and meet the expectations of the club’s passionate supporters.
With their five-match winless run finally over, Kano Pillars will now turn their attention to maintaining the momentum generated by the victory.
For Ogunmodede, the challenge will be ensuring that the determination, attacking discipline and defensive concentration displayed against Katsina United become consistent features of the team’s performances.
The 1-0 derby triumph may have provided much-needed relief, but Ogunmodede’s message was unmistakable: winning is his responsibility, and Kano Pillars must continue delivering results.
