Niger State Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Sports Development, Mamman Musa, has said the renovation of the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna, is the state government’s top priority.
According to Musa, the renovation of the stadium will boost the morale of Premier League club Niger Tornadoes.
He said, “I know what it is for the team to get home support. Niger Tornadoes took the lead in Bauchi against Wikki Tourists within three minutes into the game in the just concluded league season but the roaring support they got from their supporters spurred them on to equalise and to eventually win the match.”
Musa added, “We can’t allow Tornadoes to play their home matches away from home. Work will soon resume at the stadium. We are ready to welcome corporate bodies to fix the stadium.”
The commissioner praised Tornadoes’ 11th-place finish in the league, adding that the club surpassed the expectations of their fans because they played their home matches in Lokoja, Kogi State.
“I really want to thank the players, the coaches and management for the performance. The economic recession also affected the club. But we must thank the players for their professionalism,” he said.
He however said the government would monitor the club more and intensify efforts to attract private sponsorship.
credit: punchng