Niger Tornadoes captain Ifeanyi Okoye has called on his team-mates to improve their performances and end the club’s difficult start to the Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The Ikon Allah Boys have failed to win any of their past five league matches, losing three and drawing two.
They are 17th in the NPFL table and will attempt to halt that slide when they host Kun Khalifat FC at Bako Kontagora Stadium on Sunday in a Matchday 7 fixture.
Okoye said Niger Tornadoes could not afford to return to the lower division after the effort required to regain their place in the top flight.
“I know how we laboured to achieve promotion back to the top flight, and no one will wish to experience such feelings again,” Okoye told the club’s media.
The captain urged the squad to take collective responsibility and provide supporters with a performance to be proud of.
“Hence, the need for all of us to put heads together and rise to the occasion by giving the fans and supporters, who spend their hard-earned money to watch us, something to be proud of,” he said.
Okoye also praised the club’s management, led by chairman Dr Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso, and the technical staff for their backing.
“I also want to acknowledge the important roles played by the present management led by the chairman, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso, and the technical crew. We appreciate their sacrifices,” he added.
“The stadium has been renovated, the players’ camp has also been renovated to an appreciable standard, and no player is owed salary or match bonuses.
“This makes it even more important for us, as players, to play our part by improving our performance, beginning with the game against Kun Khalifat FC.”
Rebuilding after major squad changes
Okoye said head coach Kabiru Dogo and his technical crew were having to rebuild the side after the departure of most of last season’s first-team players.
“Only a handful of regular first-team players from last season are still here, so the current technical crew has to start rebuilding the team after the departure of nearly 80 per cent of the first-team players,” he said.
“It is a herculean task, but we have to come together as players and challenge ourselves to improve our performances.”
Niger Tornadoes will be seeking their first league victory in six matches when Kun Khalifat FC visit Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna, on Sunday.