Nigeria Professional Football League giants, Kano Pillars, on Sunday emerged champions of the maiden Presidential Pre-season Cup in Abuja.
The tournament, which was held at the renovated Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, saw Kano Pillars holding Akwa United to a 1-1 draw on the final day to emerge winners.
Ezekiel Bassey opened scoring for Akwa United in the 23rd minute and the Uyo-based club side held on to the lead for a very long time as they looked poised to win the match.
However, Kano Pillars came back into the game in the 86th minute through Kokoette Udoh got the equalizer for Pillars to help share the spoils at the end of a pulsating encounter.
The result meant Pillars earned seven points after recording two wins and a draw to edge other invited clubs including Sunshine stars, Lobi Stars and Akwa United.
Sunshine Stars finished second with six points after falling 1-3 to Kano Pillars, before recording two consecutive wins including a 2-1 win against Akwa United and a 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars on the final day.
Akwa United settled for the third spot with four points after recording a 1-0 win against Lobi Stars, a 1-2 defeat against Sunshine Stars, and a 1-1 draw against Kano Pillars.
Lobi Stars finished at the bottom of the log with no points following their three straight defeats at the end of the tournament.
