Ahmed Musa, Ali ‘Pele’ dazzle as Pillars win seven-goal thriller in Enugu
Kano Pillars’ legends, Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ali ‘Pele’ rolled back their age once again as they guided the ‘Masu gida’ boys to 4-3 victory over title holders Enugu Rangers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week 7 fixture played yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Stadium Enugu.
In the contest of two halves, Pillars netted four goals in the first before Rangers rallied back to score three goals in the second for a more respectable score line.
Ageless Rabiu Ali opened the scoring for Pillars from the spot in the 15th minute, Zilkifilu Rabiu doubled the lead in the 28th minute before ‘Pele’ grabbed his brace in the 37th minute in what began to look like a one sided affair.
Before the break Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa grabbed the winning goal for Pillars and his third of the season when he outpaced Rangers defenders to slot the ball into the net with his left foot.
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However, on resumption, the tide changed as the hosts staged a fight back that saw Isaac Saviour scoring a brace in the 47th and 59th minute while Silas Nenrot further reduced the deficit with the third goal in the 90th minute.
However, Musa’s strike in the first half was the difference as Pillars stood firm to record their first away win of the season which took them to the sixth position on the log.
At the Lafia Township Stadium, Nasarawa United captain and leading goalscorer, Ana’s Yusuf, was the hero as his second hat-trick of the season (57, 59 and 70th minute), ensured the ‘Solid Miners’ dumped Abia Warriors 3-0 for the maximum points.
However, in the early kickoff at the same venue, Lobi Stars surrendered their two goal lead to draw 2-2 with the unbeaten El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.
In-form striker, Ossy Martins, scored a brace in the 17th and 53rd minute for Lobi Stars but Nigerian international, Ibrahim Mustapha, responded with his own in the 57th and 86th minute for a share of the spoils.
Kwara United also bounced back to winning with 3-0 spanking of Sunshine Stars in Ilorin while Enyimba fought back to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Niger Tornadoes in Aba.
The remaining five Week seven matches will be played today across match venues.
How much is Mike Tyson, Jake Paul getting paid for the fight?
Jake Paul, a former child star and social media influencer who began his professional boxing career in 2020, on Saturday secured a victory against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a boxing bout.
The fight was livestreamed worldwide on Netflix, and Paul won by unanimous decision.
While the outcome surprised some, the financial stakes were just as intense as the match itself, with both fighters set to earn huge sums for their efforts.
Mike Tyson, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history, is 58 years old and has an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
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While this figure is modest compared to the hundreds of millions Tyson earned during his career, including $400 million in fight purses according to Forbes, he’s also made a remarkable comeback after declaring bankruptcy in 2013 at age 37.
Although promoters did not disclose Tyson’s exact earnings from the fight, reports from sources like DraftKings Network estimate he will earn around $20 million.
This figure is comparable to the amount Tyson earned for his 1988 match against Michael Spinks, which had a record purse at the time (worth approximately $53 million today when adjusted for inflation). That fight ended in just 91 seconds, with Tyson knocking out the previously undefeated Spinks.
Jake Paul, 27, is expected to earn approximately $40 million, according to estimates from DraftKings Network and other sources. This is double the amount Tyson is projected to make. One reason for this disparity may be Paul’s status as a top social media influencer, with 27 million followers on Instagram alone. Additionally, Paul is the co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the company promoting the fight in partnership with Netflix.
Paul’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
I don’t think so – Mike Tyson on boxing retirement after loss to Paul
After his defeat to Jake Paul, 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson indicated that he has no immediate plans to retire
This is just as he had praises for Paul who he stood toe-to-toe with till the final round and ultimately lost to by a unanimous decision.
“I’m really happy. He was a good fighter and well prepared,” Mike Tyson said. “I didn’t prove anything to anyone. Just to myself.”
Asked on a knee brace that he wore for the fight, Tyson said: “I can’t use that as an excuse or wouldn’t have been in there.”
Asked if this was the end for Tyson in the ring, he concluded: “I don’t think so.”
Mike Tyson’s controversial return to boxing ended in a one-sided defeat on Friday, with Youtuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul cruising to victory by unanimous decision against the heavyweight icon in Texas.
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Tyson, 58, barely landed a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards — 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
Paul, 27, used his superior speed and movement to dominate the ageing Tyson with ease, and had the former undisputed heavyweight champion in trouble after landing a flurry of punches in the third round.
Super Eagles seal AFCON 2025 spot, draw 1-1 against Benin
Victor Osimhen’s late header helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, clinching their qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Benin, playing their matches in Côte d’Ivoire, took an early lead in the 16th minute when Mohammed Tijani headed in a short corner.
The goal followed a period of sustained pressure from the Beninoise side on the Nigerian defence.
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Benin nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save to keep Nigeria in the game.
Osimhen threatened as the first half progressed, with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Benin came close again, but a shot veered inches wide of the right post, sparing the Eagles further trouble.
With nine minutes remaining, Osimhen rose to the occasion, connecting with a precise cross from Moses Simon to level the score at 1-1.
With this result, the Super Eagles top Group D with 11 points from five matches, while Benin hold second place with seven points.
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