Niger Tornadoes: Ikorodu City win ‘one of season’s most important’ – Tyabo

Niger Tornadoes head coach Umar Tyabo Abdullahi says his team’s 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City could prove crucial to their hopes of climbing the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table.

The Ikon Allah Boys secured all three points at Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna last weekend after goals from Nafiu Obalowu and Bashir Musa.

Obalowu put the hosts ahead three minutes before the half-hour mark, while Musa extended their lead with eight minutes of regulation time remaining.

Basit Ayinde pulled one back for Ikorodu City deep into stoppage time, but Niger Tornadoes held on to claim victory.

Tyabo said his players had understood the importance of collecting maximum points at home and had prepared for the match with the focus normally associated with a cup final.

“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.”

The home side were made to endure a nervous finish after a goalkeeping error allowed Ikorodu City to score late in the match.

Tyabo said the incident would be used as a lesson for the goalkeeper and the rest of the squad, while stressing that the timing of the mistake could have had a greater impact on the result.

“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,” he 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 also acknowledged the quality of Ikorodu City, who challenged for a top-three finish last season and have a settled squad with considerable experience.

“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.

He added that Niger Tornadoes were still developing after their squad was assembled barely two months before the season started.

“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.