Niger Tornadoes on Sunday got the better of their visitors Nasarawa United with a 2-0 win in the Matchday 12 encounter of Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL in Lokoja.
Tornadoes took the lead in the 27th minutes when Abdullahi Musa Wakili converted a penalty after Peter Momoh was tripped in the box by Jide Williams.
The Minna based side almost doubled their lead three minutes later when Bolaji Adeyemo laid a good pass to Babawo but the winger's effort was parried to corner by Nasarawa keeper Suraj Ayeleso.
Nasarawa's first chance of the game arrived with five minutes to end the first half as Thomas Zenke had his effort hit the side netting even after Aliko had no clue of the ball's movement.
The second half began with a spirited performance by the hosts as they created numerous chances but couldn't convert them due to Nasarawa's insoluble defense.
Tornadoes' coach, Abubakar Bala make two quick changes with Ebenezer Odeyemi and Abutu Gabriel replacing Chidiebere Ajoku and Peter Momoh to add to the Ikon Allah boys' attack.
That changes paid off quickly as the hosts doubled their lead off a perfect team build up in the 60th minutes.
Wakili initiated the build up, connecting well with Suleiman and Babawo got a through pass which was buried in by substitute Odeyemi with just a simple tap in.
The goal woken the Solid Miners with a believe to come back in the game, but all they out into the game were thwarted by Tornadoes' defense.
Technical Adviser of Tornadoes, Abubakar Bala who described the victory moral booster noted that his team was still building in the process, just as he promised good result in their next game against Elkanemi Warriors.
His counterpart with Nasarawa United, Kabir Dogo expressed satisfaction with his side's performance despite the loss as he said the Solid Miners were unlucky not have converted their chances.
The victory has earned Tornadoes 18 points as they moved to sixth on the log from 12 games.
Nasarawa remained 15th on the NPFL standing with 13 points from 12 games.
Tornadoes will next travel to Maiduguri where they will be taking on Elkanemi Warriors while Nasarawa United will play host to FC IfeanyiUbah in Lafia
REACTIONS
Abubakar Bala, Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes:
It wasn't an easy match, we knew Nasarawa were a very good side that uses ball very well, especially in the midfield, so I asked by boys to mark out their main ball passe, Zenke and Anyu which they did well, and we were able to make good use of our counters. Today was our day performance wise, we could have scored more goal but overall we thank God for the victory.
We will build on this and take it to Maiduguri, (against Elkanemi Warriors) we are aiming to break the jinx just like we did in Enugu (against Rangers).
Suleiman Kabiru Dogo, Nasarawa United Technical Adviser:
I'm satisfied with my boys' performance despite the fact that we lost the game, it's one of those days you will work hard but will still lose the game, we will continue to work hard to get well and perform better than our previous games.
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