Nigeria, Aug. 25 -- Kano Pillars may have stumbled on opening day against Abia Warriors but Evans Ogenyi insists his side showed enough firepower and fighting spirit to mark them out as contenders in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

In a tension-soaked clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Paul Samson's 35th-minute strike separated Abia Warriors and the Pride of Kano.

The goal came after a defensive mix-up, but from then on, Pillars dominated possession, pressed relentlessly, and forced the hosts to defend deep. Their persistence appeared to have paid off in stoppage time when they bundled home a dramatic equaliser, only for the referee's flag to cut short the celebrations with a controversial offside call.

It ended...