Kano Pillars captain Rabiu Ali has expressed his determination to win this year’s President Federation Cup with the club and deliver the trophy to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, serving a stern warning at the semi-final opponents Abia Warriors, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 43-year-old, undoubtedly the oldest player in the Nigerian top flight, made this promise after paying a courtesy visit to the state’s number one citizen on Sunday.
“I remain committed to bringing success to my team, Kano Pillars FC. It is my hope that my hand that received the golden handshake will reciprocate by handing the AETEO CUP to my governor soon, Insha Allah,” Ali stated on his Instagram page on Tuesday.
Pillars will face off against Abia Warriors in the semifinals of the country’s oldest football competition on June 19, fancying their chance of progressing to the final against the winners of the second semifinal clash between Kebbi United and El-Kanemi Warriors.
To reach the last four, Pillars defeated Sunshine Stars Sunshine Stars 5-3 on penalties following a pulsating 1-1 regulation time, while Abia Warriors Abia Warriors defeated Sokoto United 5-4 on penalties, also after a 1-1 regulation time.
Capped 18 times by Nigeria with five goals to his name, Pele, as Ali is fondly called, has played most of his professional football at Kano Pillars, weighing in with 54 goals since joining them from Nasarawa United in 2009.
The midfielder is regarded as one of the club’s greatest players and one of the best players in the Nigerian Professional Football League.
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