NPFL: Hamza Abara reflects over ‘painful’ Niger Tornadoes defeat at Sporting Lagos 

By Wale Mustapha

Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes, Hamza Abara has attributed negligence to his side’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Sporting Lagos in the Nigeria Premier Football League contest on Sunday.

The Ikon Allah Boys surrendered to two first half goals to their noisy hosts thanks to brilliant finish from Jonathan Alukwu and Junior Lokosa before Jahuza Bala halved the deficit after the restart with a hope to stage a comeback but Sporting held on to the lead to claim the maximum points.

Coach Abara, who described the defeat as painful noted that the result was not the true reflection of the performance of his side, stressing that they paid dearly for giving too much respect to their hosts.

“Football is all about repetition of mistakes for you as a team to adjust and take the day or your opponent,” said Abara.

“Sporting Lagos capitalized on our mistakes and got their two goals, we tried to come back in the second half but we couldn’t take our chances.

“As a team you have to map out your strategy before every game. We came with our game plan, but unfortunately we failed to execute it appropriately, that’s why during the break we had to check our lapses,” he said.

The former Elkanemi Warriors’ gaffer however assured Tornadoes’ fans of their quick resurgence ahead of the next game.

“We don’t have to reveal our plans for the next game, that is left for me and my technical crew. Be sure that we are going back to drawing board and the aim is to win our next game.”

The Ikon Allah Boys will be taking on Enyimba FC on Thursday in Kaduna.