Ubong Friday opened the scoring in the 40th minute. Fabian Nworie made it 2-0 in first-half stoppage time and added a third in the 54th minute. Godfrey Joseph pulled one back in the 73rd minute. Substitute Wasiu Jimoh scored in the 90th minute, but Pillars held on.
The hosts had drawn 2-2 at Kwara United on the opening weekend after throwing away a two-goal lead. This time they built a 3-0 cushion and needed every bit of it. Tornadoes, who had won their first match, refused to leave Kano quietly.
Nworie was the difference. His first goal arrived on the stroke of half-time; his second, nine minutes after the restart, looked to have settled the contest. Joseph’s finish gave the visitors a route back. Jimoh’s stoppage-time strike made the last seconds uncomfortable.
Ogunmodede, appointed from Remo Stars, now has four points from two games. Pillars sit third, behind Doma United and Barau. Tornadoes stay on three points from two matches.
Sunday was a reminder of both clubs’ character: Pillars can score in bursts; Tornadoes can chase a lost cause. The three points stay in Kano. For Ogunmodede, the first win is on the board. For Pillars supporters, the afternoon ended with relief as much as celebration.