Niger Tornadoes head coach Majin Mohammed has urged his players to rise to the occasion as they take on Nasarawa United (the Solid Miners) in their rescheduled NPFL Match Day 1 fixture at the Rashidi Yekini Stadium, Ilorin, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.
Although the Ikon Allah Boys will be playing away from home, Mohammed expressed confidence that his side is prepared for the challenge.
“We are not happy that this game will be played outside our home ground, which usually motivates the players. But we are used to this situation, so it’s nothing new. We’ll approach it like any other game,” he said.
The coach recalled how Tornadoes began last season’s campaign at the same venue with a 2-1 win in Ilorin, noting that the setting is not unfamiliar to his squad.
Last season, the reverse fixture between both sides ended goalless at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna. Mohammed also has the edge in previous tactical battles with Mbwas Mangut, having secured four points when Tornadoes faced his Plateau United side last term.
The two tacticians now meet again in what promises to be a fierce North Central Derby on neutral ground.