NPFL: Abubakar Bala keeps faith in Niger Tornadoes despite defeat at Rivers United

By Wale Mustapha

Niger Tornadoes technical adviser Abubakar Bala is holding on to trust in his side’s credibility despite a 2-1 defeat to Rivers United in a Nigeria Premier Football League match in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Tornadoes gave as good account of themselves in Port Harcourt as Kazie Eyinnaya’s early goal for Rivers United was canceled out by Waheed Adebayo’s well taken penalty for Tornadoes to restore parity.

Ebube Duru’s superb free kick was enough for Rivers to snatch the crucial matchwinner despite referee’s controversial decision to deny Charles Okafor strike from a corner kick.

While blaming his side’s profligacies and negligence, the tactician refused to be comments on the costly decision of the referee as he hailed his lads for putting up a good fight against the defending champions.

“Its a very good game as you can see we played against a very good team, the defending champions and we must give that respect to them, they have much quality as far as Nigerian league is concerned,” Bala told Nigeriafootball.ng.

“Its painful we lost but we make our impact, we only didn’t do well with our mark line which we will go back home and work on it.  My only problem was the numerous chances were not able to utilize but its a good game overall, I’m proud of what we did.

“I don’t always want to dwell much on officiating, the referee is in charge of the match, he has adjudged the goal as improper and so be it.”

Asked what’s the secret behind Tornadoes’ bright start to the season and their scoring prowess, Bala said it was down to the character instilled in the team and disciplined group of players who were ready to play to instructions.

“You know when you instill a character in a team, you have a style of play, disciplined team and the character and you try as much as possible to get the materials that will suit your match plan and style of play, you’re bound to get things right with being patient, and I believe the boys will do better than this before we end the first round,” he said.

Niger Tornadoes will be taking on Enugu Rangers in their Matchday Four in Kaduna on Sunday.