Kano Pillars secured a narrow 2-1 home win against Lobi Stars in Sunday's Week 20 Nigeria Professional Football League tie played at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Goals from Rabiu Ali and Shehu Shagari helped returning coach Mohamme d Baba Ganaru's men overcome Tony Okpotu's solitary effort for the visitors in Kano.
The hosts looked a different set-up from the side that held Lobi Stars to a 3-3 draw in Markudi following the replacement of Okey Emordi with former gaffer Baba Ganaru.
Spirited Tony Edkomariegwe almost fired the reigning champions in front in the 12th minute, but failed to find his scoring boots.
In the 21st minute, Rabiu Ali sneaked past his marker to grab the important lead thanks to Adamu Hassan's through ball to make it 1-0.
Thereafter, Shagari doubled the lead from a close scoring chance in the 35th minute for 2-0 as the hosts shut out their opponents' strikers from nicking an equaliser till the half time break.
At the resumption of the second half, Okpotu got one back for Lobi Stars in 48th minute to rescue the Pride of Benue.
Justin Tenger's men could not find any further breakthrough as the hosts locked up their back line to seal the maximum point.
Kano Pillars have now accrued 30 points after 20 games this season, while the defeat saw Lobi Stars fall into the relegation zone.
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