Kano Pillars have lifted the 2025 Gusau/Ahlan Cup after edging Plateau United in a tense penalty shootout at the Lafia City Stadium.
The highly anticipated final attracted fans from far and wide, with the stands graced by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau.
Pillars controlled much of the opening exchanges but could not find a way past Plateau United’s resilient defence, marshalled by former Akwa United player Wisdom Ndon and his partner Joshua Dabo. Ahmed Musa looked lively for the Kano side before being forced off with a thigh injury.
Plateau United also threatened through Samuel Kalu, yet they were repeatedly denied by Abdullahi Musa, whose solid defensive display kept the scoreline level. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the final went to penalties.
Kano Pillars converted all their spot kicks, while goalkeeper Abuchi Destiny produced a crucial save to deny Plateau United. The Sai Masu Gida emerged champions, sparking celebrations among their supporters.
Speaking after the match, Salisu Usman Galadima, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, expressed gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule and NFF President Ibrahim Gusau for bringing the tournament to Lafia.
“Nasarawa State have shown that it is indeed the hub of sports in the country. We have successfully hosted one of the best pre-season tournaments in Nigeria and we will continue to build on this success,” Galadima said.
Tournament coordinator Abahuraira Dahiru also praised the smooth organisation of the competition. “This has been the best Gusau Ahlan Cup since I became coordinator. The warm reception from the people of Lafia makes us look forward to returning again,” he stated.
Individual awards were also presented at the finale. Umar Aliyu won the Golden Boot, Abuchi Destiny claimed Best Goal, while Nasarawa United were recognised as the Best Attacking Team after scoring 10 goals in the competition.
The grand finale was attended by top football administrators, including Alhaji Sheru Ahlan Inuwa (NFF Technical Committee Head), Babagana Kalli (NFF Board Member/Chairman Match Commissioner Committee), Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye (NFF Second Vice President/NPFL Chairman), Davidson Owumi (NPFL Chief Operating Officer), Jon. Silas Agara (NLO Chairman), Hon. Kwanta Yakubu Boha (Nasarawa State Commissioner for Sports), Barr. Isaac Danladi (Nasarawa State Commissioner for Justice), and Dr Aliyu Bello (APC Nasarawa State).
The Gusau/Ahlan Cup once again confirmed its place as one of Nigeria’s premier pre-season football tournaments, delivering over ten days of quality football in Lafia.
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