The Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness (Dr.) Umar Farouq Bahago has assured Coach Bala Abubakar and Niger Tornadoes that traditional institutions and Minna fans will massively support the team in its quest for trophies when the new Nigeria Professional Football League kicks off in January.

Speaking when a delegation of the Ikoh Allah Boys led by amiable Coach Bala paid homage to the Paramount Ruler in his Palace during the week.

The Emir assured Bala and the team, that with the support of the palace and the good people of Niger State, Tornadoes will record successes this season.

“It was wise of you, on behalf of the club to come to seek my royal blessings. I want to wish the team and its officials well and I’m certain that at the end of the season, Niger Tornadoes will finish among the top teams.”

A delighted Coach Bala while presenting a signed replica of Tornadoes’ jersey and match balls to the palace, the Emir for his kind words and assured that Tornadoes will give 200 per cent of its best and compete well this season.

“I want to use this medium to express my heartfelt appreciation to our Royal Father, the Emir of Minna for his royal blessings, as it’s the best tonic we needed going into the new league season.”

Meanwhile, despite still basking in the euphoria of being crowned the 2022 Gusau/Ahlan Cup Pre-season Tourney champions in Kano, Bala said the team will not rest on its oars, as Tornadoes is still a team in progress.

“I want to choose my words carefully, Yes we are champions of the Gusau/Ahlan Cup, but that doesn’t mean Tornadoes will have an easy ride when the season comes.

“Mind you it’s going to be a marathon and a different ball game entirely as there are tougher NPFL teams. Tornadoes will be ready, play no team with respect but take the matches as they come.”

In a separate development, Coach Bala Abubakar has added another award to his shelf after the Niger Tornadoes Fans Club honoured him with an award for Excellence Performance.

The award was presented to him at the club secretariat Saturday morning by top officials of the Niger Tornadoes Fans Club.

As anticipated, the encounter started on a very sound footing by both teams, but the visitors drew the first blood when they went ahead fifth minute on the clock, after Ifeanyi Okoye’s reckless charge was spotted and a foul awarded to the visitors, meters away from the box; NPFL veteran, Rabiu Ali picked up the ball, placed it in a good position and sent a curling shot into the net, leaving Lucky Abdullahi bewildered as the entire stadium watched in in absolute amusement. Legend Indeed!

Tornadoes were forced to make an early change as Lucky Abdullahi looked demoralized and jittery since conceding the goal, George Michael replaced him on the fifteenth minute.

The hosts took control of the game and dominated proceeding with no goals to show as the team lacked the much needed cutting edge, forcing the technical bench to make double substitutions as Munir Idris and Mas’ud Danjuma were introduced.

The hosts were awarded a Free kick after a reckless challenge on David Emmanuel on the edge of the box, but Adeyinka Najeem’s free kick went over the bar.

Another begging chance went the way of
Jonas Emmanuel but his long range volley was smartly parried by goalkeeper Bassey Akpan as the Ikon Allah Boys went into the break behind.

Tornadoes continued from where they left off at half time, as they resumed with similar urge in a bid to find the leveler, pressure paid off 52nd minute on the clock when Jonas Emmanuel benefited from Munir Idris’ pass off a good team play, as he fired a low shot into the net, to restore parity, in what was his fifth goal of the season, second since joining the Ikon Allah Boys.

Twice Munir Idris came close to grabbing a second but was intercepted inside the box and moments later, his free kick sailed over inches away.

In the dying moment of the game, 90th minute on the clock, Munir was set free on goal, in a one-on-one situation with the Bassey Akpan in goal for the visiors, but in an attempt to pull a save, the goalkeeper fouled speeding Munir inside the box and the referee was left with no choice than point to spot kick. Musa Wakili conveterted from the spot in a dramatic fashion to send the entire stadium into raptures.

Five home matches, five wins. A fortress!

*Munir Idris put the National Team disappointment behind and proved quite important to the team, as he was instrumental to the two goals, an assist and a late minute penalty.
*An outstanding performance by Sunday Akinmoladun the (Birthday Boy) to prove his leadership mettle and total commitment at the heart of defence.
*Jonas Emmanuel, again, Fantastic, full of potential. A lot more is expected from the versatile forward.
*Musa Wakili, another substitute appearance, another goal. He has proved quite instrumental to the teams quest to beat the drop. Fourth goal of the season. SUPER SUB.
*Overall an outstanding team performance.

SUBSTITUTIONS:
15′ George Michael In, Lucky Abdullahi Out.
35′ Masud Danjuma In Segun Alebiosu Out,
Edoh Ocheme Out, Munir Idris In.
72′ Mohammed Sani Rabiu In, Masud Danjuma Out. Musa Wakili In, David Emmanuel Out.

UNUSED:
Bolaji Adeyemo
Abdulrazak Yusuf
Nasiru Aliyu Laba

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3SC Niger Tornadoes

Alhassan Mohammed Kutigi
Media Officer,
Niger Tornadoes FC, Minna