By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
Playing home away from home Niger Tornadoes football club opened the new season with a one nil slim win over visiting Nasarawa United football club of Lafia.
The midweek encounter decided inside the Kwara state stadium complex was witness bu a scanty soccer lovers as the whole capacity stadium was empty.
However, Niger Tornadoes’ latest striking acquisition, Terdoo Shimagande continued his rich vein of form right from pre-season as the former Heartland FC attacker delivered another superb showing, grabbing a crucial goal to snatch a hard fourth victory for the Ikon Allah Boys.
The game against Nasarawa United was a highly tensed Matchday one North Central Derby in the capital city of the state of harmony.
The match kicked off at a frenetic pace, with both teams vying for an early breakthrough just as the visitors’ potent attack posed a significant threat, but the Tornadoes defense held firm, repelling their attacks and preventing any real danger.
Midway through the half, the hosts seized the initiative and took control of the game, culminating in a crucial goal in the 24th minute. Shimagande was the beneficiary of a second ball and unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the roof of the net, giving his team a vital lead.
The visitors pushed hard to level the score, but their efforts were in vain. As the whistle blew, both teams headed into the break with the hosts holding a narrow one-goal lead.
The second half mirrored the first, with both teams adopting a similar approach. The visitors continued to pose a threat with their attacking flair, while the Ikon Allah Boys remained solid at the back, periodically launching dangerous counter-attacks.
During the last quarter of the encounter Tornadoes were forced to subbed off Joseph Godstime who looked to picked a knock as NPFL debutant Abdulazeez Dalhatu was equally replaced at 72nd minute allowing Ifeanyi Okoye and Ezeifule Chibueze come on and solidify the midfield.
In the game’s final moments, Tornadoes came close to sealing the win with a second goal. Ani Chigozie’s pass to Ismail Sarki, who was unmarked, was unfortunately under hit, allowing a Nasarawa United defender to clear the danger.
The encounter ended in a deserved win for the Ikon Allah Boys, while Technical Adviser Majin Mohammed during the post match declared:
“The boys gave their best, considering that this is our first game of the season, so you don’t expect a one hundred percent perfection yet. The most important thing is three points.”
Majin Mohammed said his team’s target for this season to do better than last season, adding that the team have very a short time to prepare for the weekend against Enyimba but will regroup plan ahead of the game.
