Nigeria Content Online

Pillars
goalkeeper, Sani Haliru, is now free to play football again after the
Nigeria Premier League lifted the ban placed on him last season on a
misconduct charge.

Haliru was charged
with attempting to assault a match official shortly after his side’s
loss to Enyimba at the last edition of the league Super Four
tournament, which took place back in August at the Gateway
International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode. Emeka Nwani, the spokesperson for the
league, confirmed that the ban was lifted on Wednesday. “The suspension
on the goalkeeper of Kano Pillars, Sani Haliru, has been lifted,” he
said. “The NPL decided to lift the suspension on the goalkeeper on the
grounds of compassion. So, he can return to his team.” He also added
that the fine placed on the goalkeeper had been paid by his club side.

Champions League campaign

Nwani also said the
ban was lifted so that the goal keeper can begin training with his club
ahead of next year’s edition of the CAF Champions League, where Kano
Pillars will be attempting to surpass the semi final stage they got to
at their very first attempt back in 2009. Haliru was not among the 31
players registered at the start of the 2010/2011 Premier League season
by Kano Pillars’ coach, Salisu Yusuf, but will get a chance to be
included in the team’s squad list by the time the transfer window
reopens next year. Kano Pillars have had to depend on Inua Ammani in
goal and he has done a good job conceding just two goals after four
rounds of matches. There was however no reprieve for the team doctor
who chased after the centre referee during the mild melee that took
place in Ijebu-Ode, as he still remains suspended. The doctor was
handed a three-year ban by the league.