Niger Tornadoes Chief Coach, Umar Tyabo Abdullahi, has described his side’s 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City as one of their most crucial wins this season, saying the result is vital to the club’s ambition of moving up the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, table.
The Ikon Allah Boys secured the victory at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna last weekend, with Nafiu Obalowu opening the scoring three minutes before the half-hour mark before Bashir Musa doubled the hosts’ advantage eight minutes from regulation time.
Basit Ayinde scored a late consolation for Ikorodu City deep into stoppage time, but Niger Tornadoes held on to claim all three points.
Reward For Hard Work
Tyabo said his team approached the encounter with the seriousness of a cup final, recognising the importance of securing maximum points at home.
“This is one of the most important three points we have secured this season. We prepared for this game like a cup final because we understood the importance of winning at home,” Tyabo told the club’s media.
“Before this match, we had recorded two wins and two draws in our home fixtures, which was not good enough for our ambitions.
“We knew victory would improve our position on the league table, and I am happy we achieved that.”
Goalkeeping Error Nearly Mar Victory
The Tornadoes coach also addressed the goalkeeping error that allowed Ikorodu City to score late in the encounter, describing it as a learning opportunity for the player and the entire team.
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“Mistakes are part of football, and we saw what happened towards the dying minutes of the game. Thankfully, we had already put ourselves in a position to win before that incident,” Tyabo added.
“If the mistake had happened earlier, perhaps with nine minutes remaining, it could have been a completely different game. However, I believe it is an important lesson for the goalkeeper and the entire team. We will work on correcting such errors to ensure they do not happen again.”
Tyabo Hails Ikorodu City
Despite the late scare, Tyabo praised Ikorodu City for their quality and experience, acknowledging the challenge posed by a side that competed for a top-three finish last season.
“Generally, we played against a very good side that has been together for a long time. Ikorodu City were among the teams that challenged for a top-three finish last season, so we knew they would be difficult opponents,” he said.
“On our part, we are still building. This team was assembled barely two months before the season began, with several new players coming together. However, game by game, we are improving, developing better understanding and gradually taking shape.
“The most important thing is that we secured all three points, and we thank God for the victory,” he concluded.
By Adeboye Amosu
