By: TUNDE BOLAJI – MINNA.
It was jubilations galore among the supporters and well-wishers of Niger Tornadoes FC as the club swung out of the relegation zone of the NPFL and now qualified to participate in the elite league.
The Ikon Allah Boys cemented their place in the NPFL for another season after edging Kano Pillars 3-2 at their newfound home, Ahmadu Bello Stadium ( ABS) in Kaduna.
The club Needed just a point to avoid relegation, however, the Minna-based outfit found themselves trailing four minutes into the game, conceding bizarrely through Rabiu Ali’s spectacular long-range goal that caught goalkeeper Yusuf Mohammed off guard.
The Ikon Allah Boys quickly drew level within two minutes via a penalty kick converted by Joseph Godstime after a foul on Chima Deruo. Both teams retired to the dressing room level at 1-1.
The second half restarted with Tornadoes dictating the pace, and they won another penalty 51 minutes into the game after Najeem Adeyinka was fouled in the box.
Although Mohammed Hussaini’s penalty effort was saved by Muttaka Musa, Tornadoes took the lead when Ismaila Sarki coolly slotted home from close range after Chima’s pass.
Substitute Kufre Ebong grabbed the third goal six minutes before regulation time, capitalizing on Rickson Mendos’ assist.
The visitors reduced the deficit when Auwal Naziru Abubakar scored for Kano Pillars, but it was too little, too late, as Tornadoes held on for the 3-2 win.
