bdulraheem Shola enjoyed a goalscoring start to his Kano Pillars career but admitted he found it difficult to celebrate after scoring against former club Kwara United.

The midfielder put Pillars ahead in the 11th minute of their opening 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League fixture in Ilorin.

Despite his new allegiance, Shola said his relationship with Kwara United made the moment emotional.

“I found it difficult to celebrate," he said.

“You could see that being a former player of United and now with Kano Pillars, it’s all about the business and profession."

Pillars later doubled their advantage but were unable to protect the lead as Kwara United fought back to earn a 2-2 draw.

Although disappointed that the visitors could not take all three points after leading by two goals, Shola preferred to focus on the value of an away point at the start of the campaign.

“It is just the beginning of the season. We are happy with the point," he said. For the midfielder, the encounter was an unusual beginning to life with Pillars - a debut against familiar opponents, a goal against his former club and an away point.

His attention will now turn towards establishing himself in the Kano Pillars midfield as the season progresses.