Kano Pillars made history at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Sunday when they recorded a first-ever FA Cup triumph by beating Niger Tornadoes 4-3 on penalties after there were no goals in regulation time.
Skipper Rabiu Ali, Bature Yaro, Victor Dennis and Emmanuel Anyanwu converted the penalties for Pillars.
Ayo Adetola of Niger Tornadoes missed the decisive kick in sudden death.
This triumph will make up for the Kano team’s last year loss when they surrendered a three-goal lead in the cup final to Enugu Rangers, who went on to win on penalties.
Pillars dominated the final but poor finishing, resolute defending by Niger Tornadoes and the brilliance of goalkeeper and captain Mustapha Aliko combined to ensure no goals were scored after 90 minutes of action.
Four-time Nigeria champions Pillars, who were runners-up in the NPFL this past season, will represent the country in the 2020 CAF Champions League.
Runners Up Tornadoes will thus feature in the CAF Confederation Cup as a result.
Earlier in the day, Nasarawa Amazons dethroned 8-time winners and defending champions River Angels on 5-4 penalties.
The match finished goalless in regulation time, and Saiki Mary scored the decisive kick for the Amazons after Rita Orji had missed.
Super Falcons goalkeeper, Tochukwu Oluehi who replaced her international teammate, Chiamaka Nnadozie on the dot of 90 minutes failed to make a save in the shootout.
Nasarawa Amazons scored all their five kicks, while River Angels converted four.
