By Eche Amos
For his multifaceted impacts in the round leather game, Kano Pillars FC’s mercurial midfielder, Rabiu Ali, popularly known as ‘Pele’ by his die-hard fans, on Monday, was recognised with a GREATEST OF ALL TIME, G.O.A.T., football award.
Prior to the kick-off of the rescheduled Lobi Stars versus Kano Pillars 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League match-day eighteen clash at the Lafia City Stadium.
The Northern Media Football Forum, represented by its President, Alexander Achigbe George in the Lobi’s Media Unit, in collaboration with Flight FC of Gboko, Benue State, Basira FC of Lafia and the Nasarawa State Football Association, decorated the iconic player who is idolised across Nigeria for his football skills, wizardry and stellar performance, notably steering the ‘Sai Masu Gida’ back to the elite league after going on relegation three seasons ago, with beautiful wreaths by the duo of Mr Andiir Solomon, Chief Executive Officer, Flight FC, and Coach Thomas Gboro, former Coach of Bank of the North FC of Kano, where ‘Rabiu Ali’ is revealed to have been discovered by Coach Gboro.
Arguably, the oldest and most experienced player currently plying his trade in the elite domestic football league, the Kano Pillars’ captain and former Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ player holds a great influence and personal across Nigeria, particularly in the Northern part of country where he is highly regarded.
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development; Hon. Jafaru Ango, Permanent Secretary of the aforementioned Ministry; Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars FC and Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Iorfa, Chairman of Gombe United FC; Malam Abubakar Danfulani, Special Assistant to Nigeria’s Minister of Sports; Kola Daniel, ABS FC Director of Football; Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, and former Nigerian International player; Garba Lawal, all teamed up to present the G.O.A.T. award to the legendary player.
Ali became the first player in the top-flight to be so recognised by the Organization.
At regulation time, the Lobi versus Pillars’ match ended 1-1 apiece, with the former now leading the 38-team table with 33 points whereas the latter side maintain their 6th position with 29 points.
