Former Nigeria Premier League champions, Kano Pillars Football Club yesterday (Friday) won this year’s edition of Gold Cup pre-season tournament.

The tournament which took place in Ijebu Ode was hailed by many as one of the best so far. A lot of emphasis were on the quality of football played by the teams and the level of competitiveness that came along with it.

Pillars beat Supreme Court FC 2-1 to win the trophy of the third edition of the favourite pre-season tournament played at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode.

The Sai Masu Gida outfit silenced the Apex Boys in a pulsating finals to emerge winners of the pre-season competition.

Coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru’s men dominated the encounter with Omo Johnson putting Pillars in front in the 23rd minute with a sublime half volleyball.

Rabiu Ali got the winning goal via a 39th minute penalty and inspirational Mubarak Saidu, pulled one back for Supreme Court from the penalty spot.

Thereafter, Supreme dictated pace for most period of the game but Pillars held up all the while ensuring the encounter was not decided via penalty shootout.

Meanwhile, Omo Johnson claimed the Golden Boot with 3 goals, while Mubarak Saidu, was voted the Most Valuable Player.

However, the annual football championship is staged to help Nigerian league clubs fine tune their preparations ahead of the new season featured nine teams with Lobi Stars, Giwa FC, COD United, FC Ebedei, Remo Stars, Crown FC and Imperial FC.