NFF back Pillars to cancel four-goal deficit

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are backing Kano Pillars to surmount a four-goal deficit in Saturday’s CAF Champions League first round, second leg clash with Moghreb Athletic Tetouane (MAT) of Morocco.

MAT spelt K-A-N-O after bashing Pillars 4-0 in the first leg.

But NFF general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said the return leg is not a foregone conclusion.

“Pillars have the players, the following and the support of the government of that state to turn things around,” he said.

“We have also assured them of the federation’s support and we will be there to cheer them up.”

The NFF have gone ahead to give the team a psychological boost by sending Robinson Okosun, a psychologist and member of the technical department, to help psyche up the players ahead of the showdown at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

“Already, Dolphins FC have lost out in this year’s continental club competitions,” Sanusi said.

“We want the remaining teams to stay in there and challenge for honours. The NFF are also giving full support to Enyimba FC and Warri Wolves in their away games.”

Enyimba take a one-goal advantage to Alexandria where they take on Smouha FC of Egypt on Sunday.

Warri Wolves are also off to Ethiopia where they play Dedebit FC also on Sunday.

The Nigerian flag bearers have a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.