2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 6: Niger Tornadoes held to disappointing home draw by Lobi Stars

Posted : 14 October 2024

Niger Tornadoes Head Coach, Majin Mohammed, has appealed for calm amidst the pressure after his side remained winless at their home ground, Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.

Majin says the lack of composure in front of goal has remained his team's Achilles' heel.

It was another North Central Derby for the Ikon Allah Boys, an NPFL Match Day 6 tie in front of anxious fans eager to see their beloved team break the winless home streak.

The hosts had a dominant first-half performance with a myriad of chances but were toothless in front of goal as the half ended scoreless.

The visitors took a shocking lead with their first and only attack in the game when second-half substitute Ahmadu Liman brilliantly set up Ossy Martins, who was in a good position, beating the offside trap before slotting home to put his team in front in the 61st minute.

Mohammed Hussaini looked to have drawn the game level with a stunning free kick, but Atsaka Daniel, the goalkeeper for the visitors, made a point-blank save, denying the lanky defender. Although it could be argued that the ball crossed the line, the officials thought otherwise.

The hosts had a handful of chances but were wasteful in front of goal.

However, substitute Olawale Emmanuel salvaged a deserving point with his brilliant finish to restore parity a few minutes before the end of the game.

In his reaction, Majin said, "A point is better than none, as I've always said.

"Just because Lobi Stars are at the bottom of the table does not mean they are not a good team; they have experienced players in their lineup.

"We played very well, especially in the first half. We had our chances but couldn't convert them. At this point, I'm at a loss for words about that because we held training sessions on goal scoring, but translating that into match situations has always been the problem. However, we will continue to work until we get it right, especially at home."

"I'm not disturbed. As a human being, I have to be realistic. You cannot be playing at home, with a capacity crowd always coming to cheer you, and not look for victory.

"Football is all about winning; no matter how well you play, the end always justifies the means.

"I want to appeal to the fans to keep calm; we will continue to do our work until we get it right."

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 6: Niger Tornadoes held to disappointing home draw by Lobi Stars

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