Sports
Aiteo Cup Final: Crowd Violence, Kano Pillars And Way Forward
By Augustine Akhilomen
The 2019 Aiteo Cup may have come and gone with some bitter-sweet memories to remember. The competition which was won by Kano Pillars after 29 years of long-wait saw the team defeat Niger Tornadoes FC on Sunday via penalty at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
Kano Pillars last won the trophy once, even though it was in the old FA Cup competition and with their defunct side when they edged out Lagos Dynamos 2-1 in 1953.
However, the club will always be remembered this year for their violent misconduct during the Super Six against Rangers at the Agege Stadium and captain Rabiu Ali’s indiscipline attitude, which saw the League Management Committee (LMC) ban him for 12 matches, while his club was handed a fine for crowd violence.
The same scenario also turned its ugly head again in the final of the Aiteo Cup despite the team’s victory against Tornadoes. With the scoreline still goalless after 90 minutes, the tension was high as fans from both side, most especially, the Kano Pillars were apprehensive to see the outcome of the penalties.
However, drama ensued after Kano Pillar player converted the last penalty kick that gave the team victory at the expense of Tornadoes as supporters made their way into the pitch despite the presence of the security operative to celebrate with their team.
According to reports, security officials had to resort to the use of teargas to disperse rampaging Kano Pillars fans after their team’s victory.
The teargas used by the security officials led to pandemonium, as many inside the stadium scampered for safety, including the dignitaries who were present.
Victory or no victory, it was perhaps a national disgrace for the nation’s football considering the fact that it was televised live for global viewing and rather than create a peaceful environment worthy of celebrating any form of victory, the fans resorted to violent misconduct.
This should not be encouraged and in view, the LMC and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must ensure that adequate security men are provided for football matches in order to avoid such occurrence.
Former Al-Ittihad star Mohammed Noor has slammed Karim Benzema over his move to Al-Hilal.
The Ballon d’Or winner quit Al-Ittihad after being left unhappy with their new contract offer.
An unimpressed Noor snapped: “Karim Benzema’s contract was set to expire on June 30, 2026, and he received two offers from Al-Ittihad to renew it, but he stalled.
“Benzema had already reached an agreement with Al-Hilal without the knowledge of the Al-Ittihad board. Then he came to pressure the club’s management, who had made him offers, but he didn’t respond because he had already agreed everything with the Al-Hilal board.
“He reached an agreement with Al-Hilal and had a bad exit from Al-Ittihad. Didn’t the fans who supported him and chanted his name for so long deserve a thank you before he left?
“He’s the loser, not Al-Ittihad.”
Manchester United Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves has praised manager Michael Carrick for fixing the balance of their midfield.
Hargreaves believes the rejigging from Carrick has brought out the best in Bruno Fernandes, who struck in Saturday’s 2-0 win against Tottenham.
Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: “Let’s be honest, 200 goal involvements is ridiculous. They’re Playstation numbers. He plays with risk but it’s risk that the team benefits from.
“Kobbie (Mainoo) in behind was fantastic again and Casemiro… those three were probably the three best players in the game, in my opinion.
“We said beforehand, under Ruben Amorim, that midfield was a weakness but that midfield three is really good.
“Obviously Bruno is the best player by a country mile and I just think they look so much stronger now as a midfield three.”
Man United are reportedly looking to sign AC Milan and USMNT star Christian Pulisic in the summer.
The 27-year-old has been a key player for AC Milan since joining from Chelsea back in 2023, scoring 43 goals and providing 22 assists in his 121 games.
According to Calcio Mercato via GiveMeSport, Pulisic’s fine form in Italy has caught the attention of Man United, who are keen on bringing him back to the Premier League.
It’s understood that AC Milan are reluctant to sell Pulisic, but a deal could be sanction for a fee of around £48 million.
Pulisic’s contract with the Serie A giants is set to expire in the summer of 2027 with talks over a new deal yet to progress.
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