.. Caution against unguarded utterances.

The end has not been heard on the imbroglio surrounding the commencement of 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season as the participating clubs are set for another round of protest.

The latest em passe is about the format to be employed for the new season which has drawn mixed feelings among the stakeholders of the league, notably the Interim Management Committee and the club managers.

In a statement issued on Sunday which was purposely meant to wish Christian faithful on Christmas by the Football Club Owners Association of Nigeria (Club Owners), the umbrella body of Proprietors, Chairmen and Managers of top Professional Domestic football League Clubs in Nigeria, it specifically disclosed that member-clubs had in a joint meeting with the IMC unanimously voted for a full league with 16+1 votes, to 3 votes, and against a proposal for an abridged league.

The release jointly signed by the Chairman of the association, Bar. Isaac Danladi and Executive Secretary, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, alleged that some group of persons went behind to push for an abridged league which is a caricature of the NPFL, a league once adjudged as the number league in Africa.

The Club Owners stated that the decision of the clubs on a full league format remain unchanged and reject the proposed abridged league in its entirety.

The statement assured that a full league format can still be completed within the normal time frame, with submissions of the CAF Competitions representatives and aligns the NPFL with the International Football calendar.

The Association however used the occasion to warn mischief makers and blackmailers who were hired by some toxic interests within the system to cause disaffection between the Association and other Football stakeholders, stressing that Football can only strive in an atmosphere of an enabling environment where negotiations and round table discussions are cherished.

.. Caution against unguarded utterances.

The Football Club Owners Association of Nigeria (Club Owners), the umbrella body of Proprietors, Chairmen and Managers of top Professional Domestic football League Clubs in Nigeria have sent a special greetings to Football stakeholders in Nigeria especially the Christian Faithfuls as they celebrate Christmas.

Christians all over the World will today celebrate Christmas to mark the birthday of the Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Club Owners in a goodwill messages jointly signed by its chairman Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka enjoined the Christians to use the special occasion to pray fervently for the growth and development of the domestic league in Nigeria as well as safety of its players and officials against untimely deaths.

The Association specifically commended the Honourable Minister of youths and sports, Chief Sunday Dare for his fraternity with the Association and its recognition in the Football development Master plan as well as his creation of an Interim Management Committee IMC for the NPFL to restructure the league and lay a solid foundation for its growth and development.

Club Owners also used the Christmas festivities to congratulate the new Leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF led by Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau and commended his steps at reconciling all aggrieved parties in his quest to have a united Football family.

It extended its greetings to the Interim Management Committee IMC of the NPFL, who were mandated to restructure the league and lay a solid foundation for its future growth and development with assurance that the club owners would give them the necessary cooperation to succeed within its limited time frame.

Club Owners further sent warmly Christmas greetings to the Players Union, Coaches Association, the Sporting Media, the Clubs, Referees and Match commissioners,Match Delegates and Assessors, the Security agencies, supporters and fans as well as other stakeholders and wished them a Special Christmas blessings.

The Association however used the occasion to warn mischief makers and blackmailers who were hired by some toxic interests within the system to cause disaffection between the Association and other Football stakeholders, stressing that Football can only strive in an atmosphere of an enabling environment where negotiations and round table discussions are cherished.

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.

The Kwara United forward is set to put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Zesco after impressing the handlers of the club.

But Simba have identified Wasiu Jimoh as an interesting option and her willing to break the bank for his services.

South African outfit, Maritzburg are admirers of the ex Rivers United, Shooting Stars and Plateau United attacker.

Maritzburg sent scouts to see the KFA product at the CAF Confederation Cup and were impressed with his performance.

Wasiu Jimoh netted four goals for Kwara United at the 2023/22 CAF Confederation Cup. The highlight of his continental campaign was the curler against RS Berkane at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

In a quest to have a successful and hitch-free season, Abubakar Bala has urged the Tornadoes Management Committee (TMC) to do more for the club, as he dedicated the Gusau/Ahlan Cup pre-season tourney trophy to Honourable Adamu Aliyu.

Speaking on his team’s feat as they countdown to the December 28th, NPFL new season kickoff date, Bala has assured Tornadoes fans to expect the best from his team.

“Winning the Gusau/Ahlan preseason tournament is the right tonic my team needs going into the season.

“I recall Honourable Adamu Aliyu’s words of encouragement after we lost our first group match to Gombe United, that it would end up being a blessing in disguise and we will win the cup, that has now come to pass.

“This victory has exposed our weaknesses and strength which we shall work on, as the team is a work in progress.

“I want to sincerely appeal to the management in ensuring the club continues its preparations and does not relax in its oars, just as it happened last season because of lack of funds which was responsible for the bad start and genesis of our relegation struggles.

“We appeal to all fans and supporters to solidly get behind the team with prayers for our only State darling club.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Chairman of the Tornadoes Management Committee and his members, as we dedicate this trophy to Honourable Adamu Aliyu as his support is our source of inspiration, as we wish ourselves the best in the new season.”

Bala whose coaching pedigree, speaks volumes defied the odds to beat other teams for the 2022 edition of the Gusau/Ahlan Cup.

The Ikon Allah had started their campaign on a shocking 3-0 loss to fellow Nigeria Professional Football League side Gombe United, but that did not deter the team from cruising to the final. And as faith would have it, they came face-to-face with the Savannah Scorpions in an epic battle for the top prize.

Tornadoes turned the tie around this time, as they took the game to Gombe United and won the trophy.

Their efforts paid off in the 38th minute with the only goal of the game. A fast break away, after they turn defending into the attack, saw David Okoromi fouled in the box, leaving the referee to point to the spot for a penalty and Waheed Adebayo made no mistake in putting the ball at the back of the goal.

Owing to unforseen logistics challenges, dates for the NPFL-Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation pre-season Super Cup has been adjusted even as the venue remains the Mobalaji Stadium, Onikan in Lagos.

The NPFL-Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation pre-season Super Cup tournament packaged by Tingo Media was to kick off on Thursday December 1 and end on the 4th. 

However, Davidson Owumi the Head of Operations of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in a memo explained that the date had to be shifted to December 6-9.

Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation is dangling an unprecedented ₦100m prize money for the competition which involves the traditional four clubs of the NPFL, namely Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Rangers International, Enyimba International and Bendel Insurance.

“We regret to announce a slight shift in schedule for the NPFL-Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation pre-season Super Cup tournament due to unexpected logistics reasons that arose. However, the venue remains unchanged as the tournament now holds from December 6-9”, he said in the memo.

Individual prizes in the tournament include ₦1million each for the Highest Goal Scorer and the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

After going into the finale of the four-team tourney which kicked off on November 18, a draw was the least the  Oluyole Warriors needed to be crowned champions, as they had a plus two goals difference ahead Cornerstone FC despite both teams levelled on 6points each.

That they did, as they went unbeaten in three matches, spicing it up with 9 points and scoring 14 goals.

Not minding Shooting Star’s elite status, Cornerstone FC showed they would be stubborn to beat after they took the lead after 18 minutes of play via a strike from Adeleke Olamilekan.

Ifeanyi Ihemekule cut short Cornerstone FC’s joy of going into the locker room with a one-goal advantage when he scored the equalizing goal in the added time of the first half.

Shooting Stars then showed class in the second half scoring two goals in the 63rd minute via a fantastic strike from Tosin Olawale while Joshua Akpan put the icing on the cake in the 85th minute after he steered the ball into the bottom corner with the third goal after beating his marker in the box. 

In the second final day game between 

FC Ebedei and Tradesafe FC ended in an 8-goal thriller, as the duo of Inyere James scored a hat-trick while Odekunle Musliu fired a brace to earn the Oliseh Boys their first 3 points.

After losing their first two matches each, FC Ebedei 1-4 Cornerstone FC, Shooting Stars 4-2 FC Ebedei and Shooting Stars 5-0 Tradesafe FC, Tradesafe FC 1-3 Cornerstone FC, both teams then set eyes for a third-place finish and three points at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele, Sagamu.

It was the Oliseh Boys that claimed the bragging rights going into the break with a comfortable three-goal lead with goals from Musliu and Inyere.

With five minutes gone in the second half FC Ebedei 4-0, Tradesafe FC after a  terrific pass from Samuel Victor played in Inyere, and he did the rest by coolly clipping the ball over the goalkeeper for his second. 

Trade-safe FC seemed to have started what could have been a comeback after their striker made it 4-1 in the 69th minute and soon became 4-2 in less than three minutes 

Inyere in the 74th minute gave FC Ebedei a three-goal cushion scoring his hat-trick to make it 5-2, after he broke in, from an on-side position to hammer home in confident fashion.

In the closing minutes of the game, Tradesafe FC gave themselves a pat on the back scoring the third goal to put the scoreline at 5-3.

The team who have already gained promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League with 49 points, 9 ahead of closest opponents, Gateway United in group B1 arrived in Bayelsa with brewed confidence and they were never disappointed to emerge as undeterred champions.

Bendel Insurance took the lead in the first half courtesy of Austin Ogunye’s header from Julius Emiloju’s fascinating cross in the 38th minute of the game.

The Benin Arsenal were equalled in the second half after a miscommunication in the 18-yard box.

Being the favourites going into the final match of the tournament having beaten the host, Bayelsa United 1-0 and drew El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 in the first and second matches retrospectively continued pressing their opponents harder and had a series of chances to get back into the lead.

Coach Monday Odigie tweaked his formation to scatter the defensive plan of a stubborn Doma United when he threw in Ebenezer Odeyemi into the fray of things – the energetic defender turned out to be a thorn in the flesh of the Savanna Tigers’ defence with constant runs and full attacks in the final third.

Divine Nwachukwu picked up a felicitous pass from Maurice Prince in the opponents’ half, sped through the left wing like a locomotive engine and crossed into the box to connect an advancing Ebenezer up – the strong forward didn’t miss his target as his fine jab went in straight to the back of the net to send the Benin Arsenal and supporters into a wild jubilation.

Insurance kept the lead with further attacks on their opponents to get security until the centre referee signalled the end of proceedings.

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.