Niger Tornadoes coach Umar Tyabo Abdullahi says his team’s 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City was one of their most important results of the Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The Ikon Allah Boys claimed all three points at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna last weekend, a result Tyabo believes can help the club move up the NPFL table.
Nafiu Obalowu put the hosts ahead three minutes before the half-hour mark, while Bashir Musa extended their lead eight minutes from the end of regulation time.
Ikorodu City pulled one back through Basit Ayinde deep into stoppage time, but Niger Tornadoes held on to secure the win.
Tyabo said his side had treated the match with the importance of a cup final, particularly after failing to make the most of some of their earlier home fixtures.
“This is one of the most important three points we have secured this season. We prepared for this game like a cup final because we understood the importance of winning at home,” he told the club’s media.
“Before this match, we had recorded two wins and two draws in our home fixtures, which was not good enough for our ambitions.
“We knew victory would improve our position on the league table, and I am happy we achieved that.”
The coach also acknowledged that a goalkeeping mistake allowed Ikorodu City to score late and said the incident would provide a lesson for both the player involved and the wider team.
“Mistakes are part of football, and we saw what happened towards the dying minutes of the game. Thankfully, we had already put ourselves in a position to win before that incident,” Tyabo added.
“If the mistake had happened earlier, perhaps with nine minutes remaining, it could have been a completely different game. However, I believe it is an important lesson for the goalkeeper and the entire team. We will work on correcting such errors to ensure they do not happen again.”
Tyabo praised Ikorodu City’s quality and experience, noting that they had challenged for a top-three finish last season.
“Generally, we played against a very good side that has been together for a long time. Ikorodu City were among the teams that challenged for a top-three finish last season, so we knew they would be difficult opponents,” he said.
Niger Tornadoes, however, are still developing after assembling their squad barely two months before the season began.
“On our part, we are still building. This team was assembled barely two months before the season began, with several new players coming together. However, game by game, we are improving, developing better understanding and gradually taking shape.
“The most important thing is that we secured all three points, and we thank God for the victory,” he concluded.