Dogo blames draw against Niger Tornadoes on poor officiating

Posted : 16 September 2024

The Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United, Kabiru Dogo, has expressed dissatisfaction with the match officials following the away draw against Niger Tornadoes in Minna.

Recall that the Ikon Allah Boys secured a hard-fought draw against Solid Miners in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 2, which was played in Minna.

Dogo claimed that the goal scored by his side should have been allowed by the center referee, who disallowed it.

The Solid Miners' hopes of securing their first win of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season were thwarted as they were forced to a goalless draw by the hosts, Niger Tornadoes FC, at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna.

Following their 1-1 home draw against Shooting Stars in Lafia a week ago, the Solid Miners were determined to disrupt the homecoming party for the Ikon Allah Boys, who had won 2-1 away at Kwara United the previous weekend.

Both sides assessed each other in the early stages of the first half, with United's Moyi Hassan’s dangerous free-kick being deflected for a corner kick.

Emeka Onyema made a crucial save to prevent the hosts from scoring by blocking a goal-bound shot.

New acquisition Uchenna Odeh responded swiftly to a diagonal cross into the United danger zone to avert disaster, while Umar Ada's effort was effectively dealt with by Tornadoes' goalkeeper, Joshua Enaholo.

The first half ended with no favorable result for either side.

After making some tactical changes, Coach Dogo's Solid Miners took the game to their hosts. Substitute Terdoo Shimagande’s 57th-minute strike was saved by the home side's goalkeeper.

In the 61st minute, United thought they had won a penalty when Sabo Gambo was brought down, but center referee Abubakar Zubairu awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box instead. Habibu Alakija’s resulting kick was blocked by the wall.

Ameh Godwin was called into action with a couple of difficult saves moments later.

The North Central derby grew in intensity and physicality as the game approached its climax.

Terdoo Shimagande was flagged offside in the 84th minute, much to the disbelief of United's bench.

The most controversial moment of the game occurred in the 89th minute when Adamu Hassan's legitimate goal, following a goal area scramble, was disallowed by the referee in a contentious decision.

The late goal seemed to secure a dramatic win for Nasarawa United on the road, but the controversial decision by the referee, who claimed he saw a foul in the build-up, dashed any hopes of a first win for the Solid Miners since their return to the elite domestic football league, resulting in a shared point.

Dogo, reflecting on the match, congratulated both teams.

"Congratulations to both teams. At least we shared the points, even though I personally feel we won the game.

"However, we accept it in good faith. Only the referee can explain why he disallowed that goal. He was closer to the ball than I was, so he has the final say in this situation.

"Overall, both sides played good football this evening.

"I have a promising team. I believe strongly in them, and with time, we will do better."

Niger Tornadoes Coach Majin Mohammed said his team was under pressure.

"We were under pressure in today’s game, knowing that we had already secured three points against Kwara United in Ilorin.

"Moreover, this was our first home game in Minna in over four seasons.

"The crowd put a lot of pressure on us, as we have not seen this kind of support for a while.

"The support we received in Kaduna is different from what we experienced here today.

"Regardless of the result, I am impressed with the boys. It’s better than nothing."

Nasarawa United will return to Lafia ahead of their Match Day 3 clash against visiting El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 4 p.m.

Dogo blames draw against Niger Tornadoes on poor officiating

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