Sporting Lagos coach Jeffrey Buter has expressed confidence in getting a positive result against Kano Pillars on Saturday at the Sani Abacha Stadium in round seven of the Nigeria Premier Football League. Buter spoke to Guardian Nigeria on Friday before his team travelled by air to the ancient city of Kano. 

He said the Sporting Lagos team that lost to Kano Pillars in 2024 is different from his. He further stressed that his team has shown that they are capable of getting results at difficult grounds (making a reference to the win against Enyimba in Aba) and will approach Saturday’s match with the aim of getting maximum points.

“We are a different team from the side that played in Kano last time. We have shown that we can pick up points in difficult places. We didn’t win in Aba in our last NPFL season, but we won there this season. We are a very optimistic team, and we will try our best to get maximum points there.”

When asked what the impact of the win against Enyimba will have on the team when they face Kano Pillars, Buter said his boys will be inspired to go for victory, citing that the team now has the confidence to win on the home ground of traditional NPFL sides.

“I believe it’s going to spur the boys on. Enyimba are nine-time NPFL champions and two-time CAF champions, and we beat them in their own backyard. I think the players have the confidence and belief that it’s possible to get wins against historic clubs in the league. We are going to try to enjoy the game and fight for maximum points once again.”

The Tech Boys head into the tie on the back of the goalless draw against Ikorodu City in the Lagos Derby on Wednesday and are undefeated in their last three matches, while Kano Pillars are without a loss in five games but haven’t won in their last two, with draws against Inter Lagos and Enyimba.

Meanwhile, Masu Gida have been ruthless at home, winning nine of their last ten matches at the Sani Abacha Stadium and will look to continue the trend when the Tech Boys come around on Saturday evening. Sporting Lagos’ last visit to the ground ended in a slim loss courtesy of Mustapha Umar’s 48th-minute strike in March 2024.

Sporting Lagos arrive with victories in their last two away matches so far this season, with wins over rivals Inter Lagos and a famous win over Enyimba in Aba.

Kano Pillars are favorites to win, with veterans like Rabiu Alli   and former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa leading the team’s offense, while Sporting Lagos will rely on the form of Sodiq Ayoade to pull off another huge win away from home.

A win for Kano Pillars will see them move into the top four pending the results of other teams, while Sporting Lagos could dethrone their opponent on the log if they secure another famous win.