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.

Chairman of Niger Tornadoes, Honourable Adamu Aliyu’s beliefs in making things work for the club can not be overlooked, that’s why former Flying Eagles and Eaglet Coach, John Obuh who was a household name during his time with Tornadoes had this to say.

“The best thing to have happened to Niger Tornadoes was the coming of
Honourable Adamu Aliyu.

“He is a well-respected administrator, embedded in humility who came after Ten Ten and did very well for the club. Immediately he came with his vast knowledge, experience and humility, he stabilised everything about the club.

“The results started coming, and the coaches, players and supporters were well-harmonized, same with the Niger State Sports Council as everyone was working towards the same goal and successes were recorded under his leadership.

“I had a good working relationship with him, as he never for once interfered with my MatchDay programme, as he gives me the needed environment for me to succeed.

“Am not surprised that after I left the club, Niger Tornadoes has done remarkably well under him. I want to wish him success in his challenge as he got it on merit going by his pedigree which speaks volumes.”

Vice Chairman of Niger Tornadoes Musa Ibrahim Matane

“When were inaugurated as Tornadoes Management Committee(TMC), the mandate given to us by the State Government was to ensure that club get promoted to the NPFL from NNL.

“That we did as Tornadoes finished top of its group, was impressive at the NNL Super 8 PlayOff in Enugu, as it went ahead to emerge champions after claiming a promotion ticket.

“Tornadoes under the leadership of Honourable Adamu Aliyu is not a ‘One Man Show, he carried each member along to achieve the set goals for the club.

“We can achieve the mandate given to us by the Niger State Government and surpass it.

“I want to Honourable Adamu Aliyu for his prudent management of the funds from the state government, despite the world economic challenges owing to the COVID-19 virus, he and his management team were still able to run the club successfully.”

Barrister Isaac Danladi, Chairman NPFL Club Owners and Chairman Nasarawa United

“Honourable Adamu Aliyu is a good friend and personality I have known for over two decades in football administration. We have indeed come a long way, and he has been able to stabilise Niger Tornadoes over the years, employing his managerial skills to successfully manage the fortunes of the club.

“He’s a frontline member of the Club Owners Association, a team player and popularly referred to as ‘Mr Fix It, owing to his good crisis management skills.

“Honourable Adamu Aliyu is eloquent and possesses effective communication skills and has turned the club from ‘grass to grace. Little wonder he made his second coming to the club following his reappointment after he was relieved of the post. He is dedicated, honest, straightforward and above all, has the fear of God in him.

“The government and people of Niger State should be proud and lucky to have such a personality like Honourable Adamu Aliyu at the helm of affairs of Tornadoes. I continue to wish Honourable Adamu Aliyu the best in his endeavours and ask the state government to continue to support him in the progress of the club.

“As Chief Personal Secretary to the Niger State Governor, HIS Excellency, I believe he has been able to use his skills to the best and as a good public servant, has employed the same in the running of the day-to-day operations of Niger Tornadoes.

“Continue to do well for the state and Tornadoes, Honourable Adamu Aliyu, as I wish you well and may God in his infinite mercy continue to bless

Yanagi A Baba 1st Vice Chairman Niger State Football Association

“I have known him since his involvement in football, Honourable Adamu Aliyu is a man of integrity. He relates with the FA on football matters concerning Niger Tornadoes.

“I have a cordial relationship with him, as interim head of the FA, I was in charge of organising and taking care of their home matches.

“Honourable Adamu Aliyu is also a loyal member of the Niger FA Football Congress, him being the Chairman of the Premier League club.

“He has done a fantastic job in Tornadoes and left his mark at the club as he has never at any time not related any challenges Tornadoes faced to the FA, at the end, we proffer solutions to them.

We have seen a rich club like Kano Pillars getting relegated to the NNL, while with limited funds, Honourable Adamu Aliyu made sure Tornadoes beat the drop.

“On the personal ground, I take him as an elder brother and he has also reciprocated the same gesture to me. I have so many beliefs in Honourable Adamu Aliyu; as in years to come, he will achieve a lot with Tornadoes.

It will further interest you to note that since the inception of Tornadoes in 1977, he did change the narratives of the club as it became a professionally administered club.

He was the first Chairman to introduce preseason camping for the team and purchased training jerseys squad after termed it as an eyesore with the kind of kits the players were having seasons with, which for him was not good for the Niger Tornadoes brand.

Going into that season, he introduced a partnership with customized kits for the team.

Travelling long distances by road is one big headache for clubs owing to the poor state of our Federal Highways, armed robberies, accidents and fatigue, under his leadership, Tornadoes now travel two days ahead for away matches. All with the view of ensuring the player’s and backroom staff’s safety and of course getting results on the road.

He then in the 2007/2008 season, increased travelling and bonus from N5,000 to N10,000 as the welfare of the team is also top of his priorities for the club.

In the 2015/2016 season, he increased travelling and bonus allowances from 10, 000 to 15,000. The following season (2016/2017) he increased the allowances again from 15,000 to 20,000 and that’s what the players are enjoying to date.

It’s on good record that Honourable Adamu Aliyu became the first chairman to voluntarily resign in 2008 when the league was at MatchDay 12 while the team was still topping the league and the first time Tornadoes had that luxury.

Honourable Adamu Aliyu is an astute Sports Administrator per excellence and manager of minds; whose work ethic is faultless, who knows his onions, and who is passionate about the beautiful round leather game (football), across all levels in Nigeria.

You can not talk about the achievements recorded by Niger Tornadoes within the last 10 years without a mention of Honourable Adamu Aliyu and his management team, and hold them in high esteem as he’s not a ‘BULLY’ but a leader who carries everyone in the management along. All are geared towards achieving set targets for Niger Tornadoes.

Honourable Adamu Aliyu may have his shortcomings as a leader by his critics but the many that have worked closely with him, regard him as an administrator with the ‘Magic Wand’.

He is also the ‘Mr. Fix It, as he has a record of helping Tornadoes gain promotion, by winning playoffs, qualifying them to big finals and playing in the CAF inter-club championships.

Twice appointed in 2015 and 2021 as Chairman of Tornadoes Management Committee (TMC) and Chairman of Tornadoes, the club founded in 1977, were crowned champions of the Nigeria National League, for the third time and twice with Honourable Aliyu in 2015 and 2021 in an epic final against Shooting Stars of Ibadan at the NNL Super 8 Playoffs in Enugu.

In 2017, precisely 17 years after they were crowned winners of the Challenge Cup now AITEO Cup, they played in the final and carried Nigeria’s flag in the continent again.

His First Coming:
2017- As Chairman of the Tornadoes Management Committee (TMC), Hon. Adamu Aliyu worked round the clock with the State Government in ensuring that the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna, reopened after two years to host NPFL matches.

Aliyu institutionalized the ‘Chairman Personal Performance Reward’ to boost the morale of the team going into matches.

With the world being a Global Village and the emerging trend of social media, the club under him launched its website: www.nigertornadoesfc.com.ng, ahead of the new Nigeria Professional Football League season 2016/2017.
The essence was to create a football social community and network for the team.

His Second Coming:
In the 2017/2018 season after being given a bigger assignment by the Niger State Government, Honourable Aliyu, made his 2nd coming to the club after it was relegated to the NNL, this led to the immediate dissolution of all the structures of the team by Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Governor of the State.

Aliyu, who headed the new management committee was tasked to work assiduously towards bringing back the team to the NPFL.

His appointment yielded instant success, as he turned the fortune of the club around within a short period. The Ikon Allah boys became a team that challenge for titles.

The club under his stewardship made headlines when it beat favourites Rivers United in the semi-final at the Agege Stadium, Lagos to qualify for the final of the AITEO Cup and secured a CAF Confederation Cup ticket.

The final against Akwa United was a thriller as the Bala Abubakar side gave it their best but lost on penalties.

Coach Abubakar Bala who is fresh from National Assignment with the Flying Eagles of Nigeria is no doubt one of the most sorts after coaches in the Nigeria League today, evidence is several clubs that are still on his neck vying for his signature, even though former Kwara United Coach had since committed his future to the Ikon Allah Boys having reached a contractual agreement with Niger Tornadoes pending official unveiling.

The Minna-born tactician is not new to the Aiteo Cup competition haven led Tornadoes to the finals in 2017 in his first attempt.

His Third Coming:
2021- Season-Niger Tornadoes chairman, Honourable Adamu Aliyu has thumbed up the personal interests shown to the club by the State Government led by His Excellency Abubakar Sani Bello which has helped to ensure they are on the cusp of a return to Nigeria Professional Football League.

That they did this in style as they won the NNL Super in Enugu to the delight of the good and football-loving people of Niger State.

After gaining promotion to the NPFL, the news of the iconic Bako Kontagora Stadium not being fit to host Premier League matches by the League Management Company (LMC), many saw as a blow below the belt.

The news didn’t deter Honourable Adamu Aliyu, as he wore his thinking cap, in search of an alternative suitable ground for the team.

Ikon Allah finally settle for the Ilorin Township Stadium. When things seem not to be going well for the team, they had to sort for another alternative stadium, this saw them having some of their home matches from Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, Jos International Stadium, Jos and finally MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

This almost cost them the season, but Honourable Adamu Aliyu being the Captain of the Ship, was able to steer the ship clear of the stormy waters, despite the limited resources owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a toll on World Economy.

Credit must go to his trusted and talented Lieutenant, Coach Bala who became the first management to play 19 home matches away from home and did not relegate, as he held a firm grip on his team and made them stay off the drop zone with that emphatic win against MFM FC away from home.

According to the General Coordinator of the tournament Patrick Ngwaogu, the invited teams have started confirming their participation and readiness for the tournament.

Ngwaogu who was the immediate past Abia Warriors FC Sporting Director said teams like Nasarawa United who were runners up in last year’s edition have confirmed their participation, Lobi Stars have also confirmed, City FC, Wikki Tourists, EFCC, Like-Minds FC and Mailantarki have all confirmed their participation and readiness to be part of the tournament.

The former First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association said within the week, teams like Rangers, Abia Warriors, Akwa United, Niger Tornadoes, Doma and Gombe Utd will all confirm their participations to enable the organizers finalize all logistics arrangements.

Ngwaogu promised that the kits and media partners of the tournament will be announced within the week.

The Unity Preseason Tournament is aimed at providing teams the opportunity to adequately prepare for the new football season. Plateau United are the defending champions.

It was an inspiring showing from Sporting Lagos as they got a back-to-back win in the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup as they shocked Gombe United at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

A good performance from both teams in the opening 38 minutes, as they showed quality in depth but not much of a shot on target at both ends.

Two minutes later, the real chance came for Sporting Lagos and they made the better of it, after Okon Saturday powered his way past a Gombe United defender with his strength inside the box, to shoot the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

Gombe United then resulted in high pressing as they searched for the equalising goal but Sporting Lagos were decent with their defending and not showing signs to let goal their lead.

The real chance to level the scoreline came for Gombe United from a set-piece close to the arch of Sporting Lagos box, but Sani’s effort from the well-taken free kick missed the target, to the relief of the Lagos-based team.

Sporting Lagos go top of Group B with the win with 6 points followed by Shooting Stars in the second spot with 3 points.

In the second Group A game, Sunshine Stars showed no mercy after they flogged Gateway United 3-1 to claim their first win in the Optima Energy Gold Cup at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

The Owena Waves who were forced to a one-all draw by defending champion Remo Stars took 10 minutes to get the first goal.

Alani Azeez took advantage of  Gateway United schoolboy defending to tap into the net.

Sunshine Stars then increased their tally in the 29th minute with the second goal after Sulaimon Mojereola fired a rocket-like shot on target after he beat the off-side flag. 

This forced Gateway United to immediately reshuffle its personnel by introducing Olajide and Olukoya, as they kept it decent to the end of the 1st half.

It was the Edith Agoye lads all the way and they got the third goal after a tactical exchange of passes at the by-line, Emeka Emmanuel then appeared inside the final third to bury the past the goalkeeper in the 84th minute.

Less than 60 seconds later, Solomon Alade with a sensational strike then reduce the deficit as he scored Gateway United’s first goal in the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

Sunshine Stars who now have 4points, keep the chase on leaders Niger Tornadoes.

Abubakar Bala says his Tornadoes will show quality in their next Optima Energy Gold Cup matches against fellow NPFL sides Sunshine Stars and Remo Stars.

He said after the win against Hammola FC of Osogbo: “I’m delighted that we have used the first two games in the Optima Energy Gold Cup to test the new players, and garnered six points.

“It has given us an avenue to access the team and the options we have. If you saw our play against Gateway FC and Hammola FC, the players that played for Tornadoes were the lads that are trying out with us.

“Sincere thanks to the two teams we have played so far, as they exposed a few blind spots to us and also gave a good account of themselves. 

” Playing against the lower league teams is never easy, always tough and they are stubborn to beat, as they want to prove a point that they are good too by showing quality.

“Our striking options after two matches have not been fantastic but there is room for improvement.”

Ahead of Ikon Allah’s two tough matches against Sunshine Stars and defending champions Remo Stars, Bala hinted that his team will come good.

“Our Optima Energy Gold Cup campaign will begin with these two games. We have seen what the two teams are capable of, it was a tough game and they played good football.

“Expect a different NIger Tornadoes, as I’m going to start my best legs for the matches, as the fixture is like that of the Premier League. Men versus men and not against boys. 

“The results from these two matches can change the shape of the Group A table but on our part, anything short of 4points is nothing.”

It was a star performance from 2021 Optima Energy Gold Cup runner-up Shooting Stars as they thrashed Beyond Limits in a five-goal thriller at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

Niger Tornadoes on its part had to wait till the opening minute of the second half to find the back of Gateway FC’s goal, to claim their first 3points at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

The opening two fixtures of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, had six goals recorded from the two venues, with Akpan Joshua of Shooting Stars scoring the first hat-trick of the 10th edition of the preseason tournament.

It was a game of two halves in Sagamu as Beyond Limits went into the break with the lead, while the Oluyole Warriors took advantage of the Nationwide League One side minute of carelessness in the second half, to score four goals with Akpan Joshua taking home the match ball. 

Beyond Limits gave Shooting Stars a scare in the opening 10 minutes, hitting the woodwork twice but couldn’t punish the NPFL side for its sloppy defending.

The Oluyole Warriors were later pegged back after Ebenezer Akinsanmiro scored the first goal of the tourney with a cool finish at the half-hour mark.

Shooting Stars started the comeback five minutes into the second half with Isaac Afolabi making it one apiece for both teams. 

Afolabi’s goal was the tonic 3SC needed, as they were in the driving seat till the end of the game.

Two minutes later the Oluyole Warriors doubled their lead via Akpan Joshua with a strike from a well-struck free kick at the edge of the Beyond Limits box.

Akpan then made it 3-1 and his brace with a thunderous strike from 30yards in the one-hour mark. He then completed the goal rout with his third within 15 minutes, from the spot kick after he was hacked in the box.

In the Tornadoes and Gateway FC fixture, the 2019 Optima Energy Gold Cup champions had to sweat it out to beat the NNL side.

After a goalless first half, it appeared that Coach Abubakar Bala half time pep talk was the spur his Ikon Allah boys needed, as in the 50th minute, Hamza Mohammed got the needed goal off an assist from Musa Wakili.

Shooting Stars now have a date to keep with Gombe United on Saturday while Tornadoes host new boys Hammola FC on Friday.

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup have informed that the 10th edition of the nation’s most prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues will kick off on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup have informed that Remo Stars will begin the defence of its title, as the 10th edition of the nation’s most prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues kicks off on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup have informed that Remo Stars will begin its title defence, as the 10th edition of the nation’s prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues kicks off on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Tunde Shamsudeen, General Coordinator of the tourney told Optima Energy Gold Cup Media: “We want to use this medium to thank the over 30 different clubs, which cuts across the three tiers of our league that have taken part in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup (now Optima Energy Gold Cup).

” The tournament inception in 2012, has proven to be the best platform for teams to prepare themselves extensively against tough teams, to know their strengths, drawbacks and proffer solutions to them before going into the season.

“Also the Optima Energy Gold Cup over the years has been part of some club’s success stories from former NPFL champions Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars, MFM FC, Niger Tornadoes, FC Ebedei and now Remo Stars.

” It’s on record that one or two teams that participate in the yearly tourney either end up winning the NPFL title, qualify for the CAF inter-club tournament or gain promotion.

“As we set the ball rolling for this year’s edition, it promises to be an exciting one for the 10 teams that will be looking forward to taking part and indeed fans.

“All necessary arrangement and logistics has been put in place to ensure a hitch-free tourney as there will be much fanfare and activation.

“The tourney will be co-hosted respectively at the Remo Stars Stadium and FC Ebedei Stadium in Ikenne and Sagamu.

“Official correspondence (invitation letters) has been sent to intending clubs in the three tiers of our domestic leagues, Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO).

” Ten (10) teams are to participate in the 10-day soccer fiesta that will begin on Thursday, September 22 and climax on Independence Day, October 1, 2022.

“Teams will be grouped into two groups of A and B with five (5) teams each, and are expected to play four (4) group matches with two (2) teams with the highest number of points qualifying for the semi-finals.

... Charges MFM FC to clinch NNL promotion ticket next season

Organizers of the nation’s prestigious pre-season football tourney, Ogunjobi Gold Cup have sent a congratulatory message to Remo Stars after they picked a ticket to fly Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Confederation Cup come next season.

General Coordinator of the tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen tasked the Sky Blue Stars management to set a record, by becoming the first NPFL team to win the Confederation Cup.

“Congratulations to a business mogul, biggest private investor of the beautiful game in Nigeria and a fine gentleman, who’s humility is second to none, Honorable Kunle Soname.

“He has proven to critics of the NPFL that private investors can achieve successes investing in club football, with Remo Stars as an example having secured the CAF Confederations Cup qualification after three attempts in Nigeria’s topflight division.

“CAF Confederation Cup debutant Remo Stars, crowned champions of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in Ikenne, is a huge boost to the tourney. 

“Ogunjobi Gold Cup has once again made a bold statement, as not just a pre-season tournament but a platform were champions are made.

“We are delighted to be part of Remo Stars achievements, as they have surpassed their fans expectations and truly deserved to clinch the CAF ticket.

“I want to use this medium to charge the Remo Stars not to make the numbers in the tournament but be one of the teams contending for the trophy.

“The Confederations Cup, since it was formed in 2004, only Sunshine Stars made it to the semi-finals in their first attempt in 2011. So Remo Stars surpassing the feat.

“A special thanks to Soname for bringing continental football to Ikenne, as the town will soon be agog with best of African club football and fans visiting, thus projecting the rich history of the people of Ikenne.”

Meanwhile, Shamsudeen also expressed his relief after Niger Tornadoes and Shooting Stars retained their NPFL status after a turbid season.

“Our last edition semi-finalist, Tornadoes and runners-up Shooting Stars distinguished themselves as fighters, as they fought hard till the very end of the season to secure their status in the topflight division come next season.”

As regards MFM FC, sad the Olukoya Boys got relegated to the Nigeria National League, that doesn’t mean end of the world for the club, rather a new challenge. 

Going by the words of Fetus Allen after the season ending game against Nasarawa United.

“We are confirmed relegated but that is not the end of life. I am confident that we will be back in the NPFL very soon. This is one of the pendulums of life. We just have to face it.”

This we have charged the MFM FC management, as all hands must be on deck to see they gain promotion as it’s a different ball game in the NNL.

The League Management Company (LMC) rescheduled the game for Wednesday 22nd June 2022 at New Jos Stadium. This is to play the second half of the game so that the tie would be concluded as the league proceeds into the home stretch.

Because of this and its potential effects, the best attention should be given to the match.

The officials are;

CR: Yemisi Akintoye (LG)
AR1: Safyanu Bazza (AD)
AR2: Abibat Yusuf (RV)
RR: Musa Isiyaku (JG)

The game is the cynosure of all eyes and should be given utmost attention and efforts must be made to make sure there are no controversies in any form, even officiating – which must be fair.

It would be recalled that some clubs have resorted to desperate moves to win games at all cost. These teams put referees under pressure whether they are playing at home or away. We have seen such scenarios in Katsina, Makurdi and Bauchi.

Tornadoes and Lobi Stars are close to each other on the log. Hence, fairness should be the keyword.

All eyes are on the league organisers to make this game work so that no one complains in the end, to preserve the credibility of the competition and it’s authenticity.