Kano Pillars left-back, Chris Madaki, has told our sports team that they are will play for the full points and pride when they face El-Kanemi Warriors in a northern derby on Wednesday in a rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
Madaki knows that his team are out of the title race and a top-three finish this season is out of their hands except through mathematical calculations but believes that they want to win their rescheduled matchday 36 fixture to give their supporters something to cheer.
"We are determined to tame the Warriors and I believe the three points is not negotiable. It could be a daunting task, but I think my team-mates are zealous about this crucial assignment," Madaki told npfl.ng.
Kano Pillars versus El-Kanemi Warriors may not just be a show of rivalry, but is also a contest of hierarchy in the NPFL table and tactical know-how between two experienced coaches.
Mohammed Baba Ganaru, who led the Pyramid City side to two consecutive titles in the past, will dish out instructions for Pillars, while former national under-20 handler Isa Ladan Bosso is at the helm of affairs as El-Kanemi coach.
Madaki continued by claiming that beating El-Kanemi in Kano, will be a sigh of relief and eventually redeem their image, considering the rivalry that exists between the clubs.
The Jos-born defender has played himself into first-team position in recent matchdays ahead of Jonathan Zikiye, since joining the Sai Masu Gida this term. The 21-year-old has had stints with Juth FC and Plateau United.
He was part of the Super Eagles at the 2016 CHAN in Rwanda.
Kano Pillars are currently in ninth position in the league table with 48 points after 33 matches, nine adrift of leaders Rangers International. El-Kanemi Warriors are in 10th having amassed 48 points from a possible 99.
The Borno club are unbeaten in six matches, having recorded four home wins and two draws on the road.
El-Kanemi Warriors ran out 2-0 winners when they hosted Kano Pillars in the first meeting this season at the El-Kanemi Sports Complex.
credit: npfl