The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Niger Tornadoes

  • We’ll battle Ubah to a standstill declares Tornadoes

    We’ll battle Ubah to a standstill declares Tornadoes

     

    Niger Tornadoes Coach, Abubakar Bala says although he respects FC Ifeanyi Ubah(FCIU) as the defending champions of the Federation cup currently dubbed AITEO Cup, he is however not ready to treat Saturday’s clash with kid gloves revealing that his boys will  leave no stones unturned in search of victory.

    Bala disclosed this after his sides’ last training session at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja ahead of the 1st leg tie in the Kogi State capital.

    “I have respect for all the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) teams, FCIU is no exception.  We played them two times this season, we have seen their weak areas, we need to work on our own weak areas too and where we need to improve.

    “We are going to give them a good game here and we are going to give them a good match in Nnewi too”, he enthused

    People according to the coach had expressed doubts at the beginning of the season over Tornadoes ability to survive relegation and definitely did not expect that we will go this far in the AITEO Cup. He attributed the feat achieved so far to tactical decision that has proved to be very helpful, revealing that the crew deliberately went in search of younger players within the 18-25 age brackets.

    “Some people didn’t believe us, but we believed in the recruitment we had made. We believed in the players we recruited and their ability to deliver considering their ages with the oldest at 25.

    “We recruited young boys that will listen to us, willing to do it and ready to learn”, said Bala.

    He however admitted that there will need for a lot of caution taking on the defending champions at this stage of the tournament. Our target would be to make the best of playing at home first before the return leg in Nnewi.

    FCIU eliminated Abubakar Bukola Saraki 4-0 on aggregate, defeating the Ilorin based side 3-0 in Nnewi and 1-0 in Ilorin. On the other hand, Niger Tornadoes eliminated the newly crowned NPFL champions, Plateau United winning 2-0 in Lokoja and playing out a 2-2 draw in Jos to advance on a 4-2 aggregate to the semi finals.

     

  • Kastina vs Tornadoes: Bala sure of Ogbonna’s ability

    Kastina vs Tornadoes: Bala sure of Ogbonna’s ability

     

    Niger Tornadoes coach Abubakar Bala is optimistic his side can hold their own in Wednesday clash with Kastina United missing the services of impressive central midfielder Sunday Akinmoladun.

    Akinmoladun is serving a one match ban as a fall out from the accumulation of five yellow cards.

    Akinmoladun has been inspiring as central defender of the Minna Ikon Allah side and his partnership with Andrew Ikefe, Reuben Ogbonnaya or James Martin Iko has been productive

    The former Kaduna United player ace has played almost in all matches since he joined the Minna landlords at the beginning of the season.

    He only missed the opener of the season in the club’s 3-0 to MFM at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

    However, Coach Abubakar Bala appears to be reaping the product of his foresightedness as he is not feeling the heat as a result of

    Akinmoladun, thanks to mid-season acquisition of unattached Reuben Ogbonnaya who now has become a regular in the starting lineup.

    The situation is further boosted by Martins Iko James who is another dependable defender, capable of playing both central defence and left back position.

    In the attack the inclusion of young prodigy Lawrence Hassan to the 18-man squad is expected to give hosts Kastina United a run for their strength and skill

    It is expected that the young lad will effectively partner with Ebenezer Odeyemi, Samuel Agba the Gombe United mid-season signing who is yet to record his first goal for the Minna based side.

    Tornadoes would be going into Wednesday’s match sitted on 10th position on the log with league 37 points while hosts Kastina United are 15th on the log with 32 points.

  • Tornadoes set for August return to Minna

    Tornadoes set for August return to Minna

     

    Premier league campaigners Niger Tornadoes will return to their original ground Bako kontagora memorial stadium Minna in August the State FA has confirmed.

    The stadium which has been under renovation is to eventually emerge as an ultra-modern showpiece and comfortable place for the players to bring out their best in the club’s quest to top the league and earn a continental ticket.

    The club’s last four matches of the 2016/2017 NPFL season will be played at the new look stadium.

    A delegation of the state FA led by the 1st Vice Chairman Mallam yabagi Baba expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the stadium disclosing that 80% of the job has been done.

    “As the chairman of the organising committee of the state FA, it is incumbent on me to visit the stadium to monitor the on ground and we really appreciated the effort of the contractor. We want NPFL matches to resume at the stadium

    because the people of the state have been missing live action‎ involving their darling team,” he said even as he challenged the contractor handling the project to fast track action on the remaining job.

    Teeming Tornadoes supporters can hardly wait to have their darling team back to base. Many had lamented when the team relocated to Lokoja that their performance will be affected considering that most of the fans will be at the match venues.

    The Abubakar Bala tutored side have however managed to remain on course occupying the 10th position on the log with 37 points garnered in 25 matches.  It has been mixed fortune for the side in the last three matches which started with a lone goal victory over Confederation cup campaigners Rivers United, followed by a 3-1 defeat by Wikki Tourist in Bauchi.

    An attempt to return to winning ways last Sunday however hit the rocks as visiting Flying Antelopes held them to 0-0 draw.

     

     

     

     

  • Tornadoes midfielder Jeremiah vows to double effort

    Niger Tornadoes midfielder Gabriel Jeremiah has vowed to double effort ahead of next set of matches even as he predicted that the entire team will come into the second round much stronger.

    Voted man-of-match on match day 19 at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja in Niger Tornadoes 1-0 win over Kano Pillars, Jeremiah said he was surprised with the award.

    He said though the team started on a slow note, he was happy to be part of the team’s progress so far this season.

    “I am happy to be recognised by Niger Tornadoes Fan’s Club, voting me as the man of the match came to me as a surprise. I appreciate the gesture.

    “When the second round of the league resumes, I am going to double my effort and also give the club my best.  I am happy to be in Niger Tornadoes colours.” he enthused.

    The lanky midfielder who has become a regular in the Ikon Allah starting lineup said fight to the finish approach is the best way to go for Tornadoes.

    ”We need to resume the second phase with increased fighting spirit.”

    Tornadoes will be hoping to sing another victory song on Wednesday when they host hot headed MFM.

    The Lagos based side are  second on the log behind table leaders Plateau United while Tornadoes are fourth on the log with soccer fans predicting that the mid week tie  will be full of fireworks.

  • CAF coaching course thrills Tornadoes coach

    CAF coaching course thrills Tornadoes coach

    Periodic training has been identified as the best way of producing coaches who can hold their own at both local and international arena.  Coach of Niger Tornadoes, Abubakar Bala who made the submission, opined that changing techniques in the round leather game and indeed in sports in general makes it essential that coaches update themselves periodically while putting fresh lessons learnt into practice.

    Bala who is one of the coaches currently undergoing Confederation of African Football CAF License B Coaching course in Abuja thanked the club management for giving him the opportunity to attend the course which he said will definitely impact on his job and desire to take the Minna landlords to greater heights.

    “I really appreciate the management of the club; this is one of the best I have worked with in my coaching career, they know the value of capacity building, just before the commencement of the 2016/2017 NPFL season two of my assistant coaches went to NIS to upgrade their knowledge courtesy of  the club. I am optimistic that the knowledge learnt will be quite useful,” he enthused

    Tornadoes who have so far garnered 24 points in 14 matches will host Sunshine Stars on Sunday.  Coach Bala had earlier expressed confidence in the ability of this assistance to rise to the occasion in his absence

    “I have capable assistants and I am sure they can rise to the occasion in my absence,” he added

    The CAF License B Course commenced on Monday is expected to last for two weeks.

  • Ajoku enjoying life at Niger Tornadoes

    Ajoku enjoying life at Niger Tornadoes

    Chidiebere  Ajoku has said that he has ‘enjoyed every bit of Minna’ since joining Niger Tornadoes.

    “I have enjoyed every bit of Minna since I arrived here. And I am looking forward for not only better days but better performances from myself and the team,” Ajoku told Goal.

    “I have not found it hard gelling into the team because my teammates have been very friendly and they have made life relatively easy for me. Also, Niger Tornadoes plays a similar passing game as Heartland and I must say it is the kind of game I enjoy playing. Generally, I feel very comfortable in the team.

    “We have some good players. We must concentrate in every game and I think we can beat every team. We have to win matches and we have had some good results. Now, we just have to keep going,” he said.

    The forward joined Abubakar Bala’s side from Heartland before the commencement of the campaign. And has been one of the stars of the Nigeria Professional Football League having found the back of the net four times in nine appearances.

  • Tornadoes get Ajoku’s boost vs Enyimba

    Tornadoes get Ajoku’s boost vs Enyimba

     

     

    Hard working technical crew of Niger Tornadoes have received a major boost following Super Striker Blessing Ajoku’s return to fitness ahead of Sunday’s clash against two time champions league side Enyimba.

    Ajoku whose impressive finishing has become a major talking point among die hard followers of the Nigeria professional Football league, was pulled off in the second half of Tornadoes tie against Remo Stars raising fears that he may be missing the match against the Peoples Elephants to injury.

    Medics of the club have however handed him clean bill of health which has fired up the spirit in camp.

    “Ajoku is fit to play, there is nothing to worry about as it was a minor injury.  We advised the technical crew to pull him out during the clash against Remo Stars as precautionary measure, he is good to go” confirmed Yakubu Abdullahi of the team’s medical department.

    Ajoku has already scored four goals including the only goal that earned Tornadoes away win at the expense of the Remo Stars in shagamu with Super Eagles coach  Gernot Rohr  watching with keen interest.

    A confident Tornadoes Coach Abubakar Bala, believes his side has been having a good run so far, adding that it has been operation one match at time and it has been working. “Our desire is to have a good run in the league and I am happy we are measuring up so far,” he enthused

    Tornadoes will be hoping to build on the away win achieved in Shagamu just as Enyimba will be heading into the match fresh from a lone goal victory over Akwa United.

  • I am disappointed says Remo FC. Captain

    I am disappointed says Remo FC. Captain

    Remo Stars FC captain, Victor Mbaoma has expressed  disappointment at the inability of his club  to win the match against Niger Tornadoes FC.
    He said  after the match :”I feel really bad and disappointed losing our second home game to Niger Tornadoes.”
    “It has happened and I am sure things will actually go right from our next match.”
    “I want to use this opportunity to remind our fans that this is our first time in the league and we are open to mistakes but very soon am sure things will work out fine for us.” Mbaoma disclosed.
    Meanwhile, Remo Stars Football Club has tasted the second defeat of the campaign at home in the hands of Niger Tornadoes in MatchDay seven fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) played in Sagamu.
    The Sky Blue Stars had the first chance to score against Niger Tornadoes but Mustapha Aliko stopped Daniel Okorie after a good pass from Ekene Awazie.
    Ekene Awazie was presented another chance to give Remo Stars the lead in the early minutes but his effort went off target.
    Ebenezer Odeyemi then put the visitors ahead after Ikefe Andrew rounded goalkeeper Walbe David in the 21st minute of the game.
    The Sky Blue Stars continued to put pressure on the visitors but goalkeeper Mustapha Aliko stood firm to deny chances of the home side.
    The introduction of Nonso Paul changed the tempo of the game for Remo Stars with several attempts to get an equaliser but Niger Tornadoes defenders stood tall to deny the lads.
    All attempts to get back into the game proved abortive with saves from goalkeeper Mustapha Aliko and Niger Tornadoes defence line.
  • Nwabulu out of Tornadoes’ game

    Nwabulu out of Tornadoes’ game

    Wikki Tourists first choice goalkeeper, Emeka Nwabulu has been ruled out of Wednesday’s match day four of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash against Niger Tornadoes at the confluence stadium, Lokoja, Kogi state.

    The club’s media officer, Nasiru Kobi who disclosed the information to SportingLife, revealed that Nwabulu sustained bruises on his lap during their last home game against Akwa United on Sunday in Bauchi.

    Kobi said that Nwabulu did not travel with the rest of the squad to Lokoja for the match on the team’s doctor’s advice.

    SportingLife however, reports that the second choice goalkeeper Gambo Gideon would be a likely replacement for Nwabulu.

    “Nwabulu didn’t travel with the team, he is at home. He suffered bruises on his lap on Sunday during our game against Akwa United. The doctor advised that he should stay at home to take care of the wound because we have a big game in our next game at home against FC Ifeanyi Ubah.  Nwabulu has been fantastic for us this season. We will surely miss him. The team spirit is very high. Our last home against Akwa United has raised our hope. A win is what we are hoping for in the game against Tornadoes,” Kobi told SportingLife.

     

  • Bala blames loss of concentration, poor marksmanship for defeat to MFM 

    Bala blames loss of concentration, poor marksmanship for defeat to MFM 

    Niger Tornadoes Head Coach, Abubakar Bala has blamed his team’s 3-0 defeat to MFM FC in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day one encounter on loss of concentration and poor marksmanship on the part of the players.

    Three first half goals from Olatunbosun Sikiru, Odey Stephen and Adekunle Adegboyega were enough for the Olukoya Boys to record its first home win of the season in a match decided at the ‘Soccer Temple’, Agege Township Stadium, Lagos on Sunday.

    In a chat with NationSport after the encounter, Bala who felt disappointed losing by such margin, said the team will work on the lapses noticed before their next game against Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC on Wednesday.

    “We never bargained for this, we did not expect a wide margin loss, but that is football for you. At times you prepare for something and you get another thing at the end of the day. We never expected this result but we have taken it in good faith.

    “The most important thing is that we have identified our weak areas and we need to work very hard on them.

    “We have been able to identify two major problems, loss of concentration in the midfield and the reaction whenever we lose the ball. We don’t react well and fast whenever we lose the ball. We allowed them to make use of the ball faster and get into our finishing area on time. We need to correct that especially in area of zonal-marking.

    “If you look at the game, we were playing well from the the first minutes up till the 15th minute.  We lost two clear chances during that period and immediately after we lost the second chance they got their first goal. It was loss of concentration, poor marksmanship from our midfielder that cost us the game.

    “So we will work on those lapses that we have identified before our next game against ABS”, he assured NationSport.