Niger Tornadoes' boss pleads for understanding as team heads for Benin

Posted : 03 April 2024

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The vice chairman of Niger Tornadoes, Mallam Usman Garba, has pleaded with Minna fans, assuring them that the team will not be relegated.

Garba said that his team has improved in the second round, judging by the results it has achieved.

He mentioned that considering some away matches the team has played, he believes the team will escape relegation.

He added that the league has improved, especially in terms of officiating.

"With the way my boys are playing, especially against 3SC in our Week 27 match, which has taken us away from relegation, such performances in upcoming matches will see us avoid the drop.

"If we continue to have good officiating, we will be safe. I am optimistic that we will escape relegation," he said.

Regarding the support of the state government, the vice chairman said it has been massive.

"How can you explain playing three matches in a week and also playing home matches away from home? If not for the support of the government, we wouldn't be here. If it were a private team, your pocket would tell."

On what he expects from the NPFL next season, he said the NPFL should attract sponsors to raise more funds so that the clubs can generate more revenue. Funds from sponsorship and TV rights will help the clubs.

He added that the club makes little or nothing from gate receipts because few people come to the stadium to pay gate fees, especially for Tornadoes when playing away from home.

He also said officiating still has room for improvement. "There are referees doing very well while some are still lagging behind. Although the NPFL still deserves a pass mark this season in terms of officiating standards, there is still room for improvement.

"We have seen league leaders dropping points at home and other title contenders dropping points at home as well.

"For us too, we have earned points away when we played well. It shows that officiating has improved. Like I said, there is still room for improvement, especially when playing away to Bendel Insurance."

However, Bendel Insurance Coach Monday Odigie said he was ready for the midweek clash against the Ikon Allah Boys.

Odigie boasted that his team was gearing up for their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 29 encounter against Niger Tornadoes.

The Benin Arsenals won the Edo State Federation Cup over the weekend after defeating Metrice FC in the final, and he is aware of the task ahead.

"As we are still celebrating our Edo FA Cup triumph, we are also mindful of our responsibilities and duties to entertain our fans and secure maximum points in MD 28," he said.

"Wish us victory as we host Niger Tornadoes on Wednesday."

"We will host Niger Tornadoes at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium."

Head to head:

Since 2019, Bendel Insurance FC and Niger Tornadoes have played four games, resulting in 0 wins for Bendel Insurance FC and 4 draws.

Niger Tornadoes - Bendel Insurance FC (12.11.2023) 0:0

Bendel Insurance FC - Niger Tornadoes (05.05.2019) 0:0

Bendel Insurance FC - Niger Tornadoes (04.05.2019) 0:0

Niger Tornadoes - Bendel Insurance FC (27.01.2019) 0:0

Niger Tornadoes' boss pleads for understanding as team heads for Benin

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