By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna came alive again as it was filled to the brim as Niger Tornadoes football welcomed Bayelsa United in what was the home team’s first game of the season at their own stadium.
The atmosphere was electrifying as fans cheered their darling team from the blast of the whistle, signifying the strong connection between the fans and the team.
Majin Mohammed’s side dominated proceedings from the early start of the game, as Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai dazzled the visitors’ backline with his silky and mesmerizing touch on the ball, to the admiration of fans in the stadium.
Ismaila Sarki broke the deadlock when he expertly nodded home a brilliant cross from Abba Khalid, giving Tornadoes the lead in the 27th minute.
The first half ended with a slim advantage to the hosts.
The game restarted for the second half with the visitors trying to assert control, but the Tornadoes’ solid backline effectively curtailed all the dangerous attacks.
Tornadoes’ technical crew made tactical adjustments midway through the second half, introducing Ifeanyi Okoye, Musa Abbati, and Kufre Ebong to inject fresh energy into the team and counter the visitors’ growing confidence.
The two teams failed to score in the second half, as the Ikon Allah Boys emerged victorious, securing their second home win of the season and moving to 6th place on the log with 6 points.
Technical Adviser to the home team, Majin Mohammed, has this to say after the encounter: “I want to appreciate everyone here for the massive turnout and the support we got here this evening, I think that is the motivating factors that ginger the boys.” The gaffer added that his players responded well to tactical instructions in trying to maintain the slim lead.
