Unveiling Auwal Ali, Kano Pillars FC ‘silent assassin’
the day we lost the Aiteo Cup to Rangers. We were leading 3-0 but how we ended up with that defeat is hard to explain.
“It was a huge disappointment because our government gave us all the necessary support. It was a difficult moment for all of us,” said the pacy forward.
Ali who joined Pillars Feeders from the amateur side, Samba Kuma FC, however, said his only consolation is that he emerged the highest goalscorer in the next edition of the Aiteo Cup.
It will be recalled that Kano Pillars defeated Niger Tornadoes 4-3 on penalties after 0-0 in regulation time of last year’s final played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna for their second title in 66 years.
“I think winning my first Aiteo Cup with Pillars is the most memorable moment of my career for now. We were able to atone for that miserable loss against Rangers.
“And to crown it all, I scored nine goals to emerge the highest goalscorer. In the finals, I played for 72 minutes before I was substituted,” said Auwal.
The youngster also ‘leaked’ his secret when he revealed that most defenders in the NPFL are yet to know him and the threat he poses in the final third making it easy for him to wreak havoc.
He, however, said even as he is beginning to be popular by virtue of his goalscoring prowess, he is not afraid that his goals will dry up.
“The truth of the matter is that unlike players like Rabiu Ali, Nyima Nwagua and the rest who are well well known, most of the defenders don’t know me.
“They are just getting to recognise that I am a dangerous striker. In future, it might become more difficult for me to score against them but for now, I am on top of the situation,” he said.
Like any other young player, Auwal’s dream is to play for a big club in Europe and his dream club is English giants, Manchester United.
Interestingly, he named former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo who recently joined the ‘Red Devils’ on loan from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua of China as his source of inspiration.
“Honestly, my teammate Rabiu Ali is my number one role model. However, I am always inspired by Odion Ighalo. He is a complete striker. I am happy that he is the first Nigerian to play for Manchester United. I will work hard to be the next Nigerian to play for the club.”
Auwal’s other dream is to play for the Super Eagles beginning with the junior national teams.
He also said he is not allowing the little success he has achieved so far to get into his head and ultimately derail his plans.
“I am just 19 years old so I wish to start from the U-20 and 23 before the senior national team. However, if God decides I should move straight to the Super Eagles, I will be eternally grateful.
“With hard work, commitment and dedication, everything is achievable. I know what football has done for me. I have built a house for my family and I wish to do more.
“I am riding a motorcycle for now but I know that if I stay focused, one day I will drive one of the latest and biggest cars,” said the youngster whose favourite food is rice and stew.