Four-time league kings Kano Pillars will hope to make history in Kaduna Sunday by winning their first-ever FA Cup at the expense of Niger Tornadoes.
The Kano State Government has promised to reward the team when they end their long wait for a major cup triumph.
Last year, Pillars lost the Aiteo Cup Final in dramatic fashion when Enugu Rangers fought back from three goals down to draw level before winning the cup competition on penalties in Asaba.
Pillars finished runners-up in the NPFL this past season and will fly Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League and as a result win or lose on Sunday, Tornadoes will feature in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Pillars will be favourites to end the cup jinx at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium cheered on by their partisan fans.
Goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso, captain Rabiu Ali as well as newly discovered striker David Ebuka will be the stars to watch for the Kano club.
Undergraduate Ebuka has shone for Pillars with crucial goals and some five-star displays since he was discovered this year in a university football competition.
However, you cannot bet against Tornadoes, who will be led again by coach Abubakar Bala two years after he led the Minna club to the cup final, where they lost on penalties to Akwa United.
Eric Frimpong will be one man who could ensure Tornadoes fire past Pillars in this Northern Derby.
