NPFL: Abubakar Bala resigns as Katsina United Head Coach

 

Bala Abubakar has resigned from his position as Head Coach at Katsina United after their Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 25 game against Sunshine Stars on Wednesday. 

The former Kwara United coach decided to walk away due to a lack of a conducive atmosphere and the non-fulfilment of his contractual agreement by Katsina United. 

It has been reported that Bala has not received his monthly salary since joining the club four months ago.

Furthermore, he was twice attacked by irate Katsina United fans, with no efforts made by the interim management to intervene. On one occasion, he was rescued by heavily armed security men. 

In his resignation letter, Bala stated, "I humbly wish to resign my position as the Head Coach of Katsina United. This is a result of the lack of a conducive atmosphere and the non-fulfilment of my contract agreements.

"I'm sincerely grateful for the opportunity and support given to me during my brief stay with the club and wish the team the best of the season."

Bala took over as Katsina United's Head Coach on MatchDay 13 when they were in the 15th position with 14 points, just one point above the relegation zone. 

He played 12 matches, recording 6 home wins, 2 away draws, 1 home draw, and 3 away losses, accumulating a total of 21 points from a possible 36 points.

Kutigi Stadium to host maiden Bala Mohammed/Lavun Govt tourney on Saturday

 

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the maiden Coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed (TA) Niger Tornadoes Pre-season Lavun Local Govt Talent Hunt Football Competition, has released the groupings and fixtures for the tourney.

The tourney named after awarding winning and result-oriented Bala Mohammed, Technical Adviser Nigeria Premier Football League side Niger Tornadoes, will kick off on Saturday at the Late Mahmud Bawa Memorial Stadium Kutigi.

In draws conducted by the LOC of the Pre-season Talent Hunt Football tourney, informed that eight teams will lock horns in the event.

The teams for the tourney, all based in Kutigi have adopted the names of some Nigeria Premier Football League clubs, as have Niger Tornadoes, Enyimba, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, Pillars, Lobi Stars, Rangers, and Wikki Tourists.

Group A, is made up of Niger Tornadoes, Enyimba, Rivers United, and Wikki Tourists, while Shooting Stars, Pillars FC, Lobi Stars, and Rangers FC make up Group B.

According to the fixtures, the opening game of the tournament is a Group A fixture between Niger Tornadoes versus Enyimba by 3:30 pm.

There will be a single fixture on every Matchday, up till Wednesday 25th, May, while the top two teams in the groups will make it to the semi-final.

The LOC, who has made logistic arrangements, have fixed the semi-final matches for Friday 26th and 27th May, while the 3rd place final will be staged 48 hours later.

The date of the final, the LOC states will be communicated to the two finalists, as all are in top gear to ensure a hitch-free tournament in Kitugi.

Remo Stars break seven year jinx, secure Ogunjobi Gold Cup final slot

Remo Stars broke their seven years jinx in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in style as they are through to their first finals after they defeated Niger Tornadoes in one of the semi-final games of the pre-season tournament at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

It was an action packed encounter that saw two super strikes from free-kicks as the Sky Blues Stars coming behind to win the game 2-1 at half-time.

Tornadoes, a former champion of the tournament drew first blood as they took the lead in the 8th minute.

Goalkeeper Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars was left helpless after Abubakar Ansaru scored from a sublime free-kick at the edge of  the box to increase his goal tally in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup to two.

Six minutes later, the Sky Blues Stars brought even the scoreline after captain fantastic 

Nduka Junior scored a beauty from a set-piece. It was Nduka's second goal from free-kick as he scored in same fashion against MFM FC.

 In the 23rd minute, Tornadoes had goalkeeper George Michael to thank after he forced off a save from Dayo Ojo's rocket from 25yards to keep the score at 1-1.

Tornadoes were then punished for their sloppy defending in the 38th minute and gifted Tolu Ojo his second goal in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

The attacking midfielder quickly made the most of the error to shoot into the net Remo Stars second goal. 

Coach Gbenga Ogunbote who won the Ogunjobi Gold Cup with Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt will be hoping to lead Remo Stars to their first triumph in the tournament as they could go head-to-head with either of Shooting Stars or MFM FC in the final billed for Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Ogunjobi Gold Cup: Bala expects fireworks as Tornadoes plan to dim Remo Stars in Ikenne

Niger Tornadoes and Remo Stars will rekindle their healthy rivalry when they go head-to-head in the first semi-final match of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup on Thursday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Recall when both teams locked horns at the last edition of Nigeria's prestigious pre-season tourney in Ilorin, Tornadoes who were defending champions crashed out after failing to qualify to the semi-finals following a 2-2 draw with Remo Stars.

The Ikon Allah Boys needed to beat the Sky Blue Stars convincingly by 3-0, but it was not to be as they twice came from behind to share the spoils.

Bala, whose objective is to steer the Ikon Allah Boys to a second Ogunjobi Gold Cup title win and see that his squad improve in all departments as the 20 NPFL teams countdown to the new season commencement, hinted that Thursday will be another good time to tackle the Sky Blues Stars.

"It is going to be a tough game against Remo Stars as we have a healthy rivalry against them in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup," said Bala after Tornadoes trounce FC Ebedei 3-1.

"I expect a lot of fireworks in the match as both teams recently got promoted to the NPFL.

"My lads will be seeking a redemption against them having lost to them some weeks ago, irrespective of that, I have much confidence my players will come out strong despite the fact that the encounter is been played at their backyard and in front of their fans."

Ogunjobi Gold Cup: Bala admits Beyond Limits push Tornadoes to the edge

 

Abubakar Bala has acknowledged that Beyond Limits are a good team as it was a tough duel against the rookies who gave his stars a good game.

Tornadoes recorded their first 3points in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup pre-season tournament courtesy of two second-half goals from the strike duo of Igbudu Alpha and Usule Martins at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

"I never expected that these young lads would be as enterprising as they were today, they matched my team as they were technical and physically good," Bala said.

"I must be sincere, during the game, I asked myself this question, do we still have this kind of football talent in Nigeria. 

"After that, my thought was what some coaches present as products of our youth national teams is a sharp contrast to the talents I have seen here.

"However, Beyond Limits might have pushed us to our limits as it took us team 52 minutes to score our first goal, that does not take away anything from my players as their experience and coordination in the game got the three points.

"We hope to build on the win as the target is not just to win the Ogunjobi Gold Cup but to have a formidable team that can compete well in the NPFL when the season kicks off.

"After the NNL Play-off, we went on a short break during which we took the time to assemble a few quality players. So we are using the Ogunjobi Gold Cup to put the squad to shape on the task ahead in the NPFL."

Tornadoes will on Saturday go head-to-head with Shooting Stars in one of the high profile games of the prestigious pre-season tourney in Nigeria.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Daniel Edeh dreams NPFL title with Niger Tornadoes

... Describes Coach Bala a father figure

Niger Tornadoes versatile defender Daniel Edeh caught the eyes of football lovers and pundits with his dazzling skills in the NNL and run up to winning the Super 8 title, in what could best be described as a fantastic debut season with the Ikon Allah Boys.

The former Osun United player who joined the Minna based outfit before the commencement of the  2020/2021 season, wasted no time to cement his position in the heart of the team's defense, forming a formidable partnership with Sunday Akinmoladun and dishing out commanding display week in, week out. 

It is worthy of note that in the journey to achieving promotion and winning the Super 8 Trophy, Niger Tornadoes was adjudged as the best defensive team this season and statistics abound to buttress this fact - the Ikon Allah Boys lost only five matches in the close season, including the defeat to Rivers United in the Aiteo Cup quarter final and conceded just 12 goals in all competitions, Tornadoes defense line marshalled by Daniel Edeh & Sunday Akinmoladun is a nightmare to strikers as the dou consistently churn out eye-catching  performances to keep the team water tight at the back.

At some point in the season "Dinno" as Daniel Edeh is popularly called was deployed in the midfield pivot in what was a tactical master piece, he played in that role when Niger Tornadoes defeated Yobe Desert Stars in Damaturu to further underline his credential as a top and team player. 

Daniel Edeh featured in all official matches for the Ikon Allah Boys this season and his penalty goal against El-Kanemi Warriors in the Super 8 opened the flood gate of goals for the NNL Champions, his gesture prior to taking the decisive penalty in a tension soaked atmosphere when he said ... "Coach I will play it"  he eventually did and scored and that further demonstrate his zeal, determination, commitment, confidence and composure as a reliable player. 

Daniel Edeh is strong, intelligent, mobile and an all round discipline player, 

Dinno had a brief chat with Tornadoes Media:

Question:

Which Footballer Inspires You ( Role Model)?

Answer: 

Sergio Ramos; The way he treats his colleagues and encourages them is exemplary. He's a true leader and a winner. 

Question: 

Who is your room mate, tell us about him/them.?

Answer:

 Oche Josiah and lucky Jumoh, "both of them are fun to be with and they ginger me and they correct me when I go wrong on and off the field of play and that helps me a lot.

Question:

After promotion to NPFL what is your next target?

Answer:

Winning the NPFL title and becoming the best defender in the Nigerian elite league and probably playing in Europe as well. 

Question:

Which club side do you support in Europe? 

Answer: Manchester United.

Question:

Do you dream of playing for any of the National Teams anytime soon? 

Answer:

Yes, to play for the Under20 or Under 23 team and I believe it’s a dream that is going to become reality one day.

Question:

What impresses you more about Coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed & Niger Tornadoes?

Answer:

He is a father figure because of the way he relates & treats his players. His pattern of play and the way the club takes care of her players is second to none.

'Niger Tornadoes is product of hard work, commitment" - Aliyu

Chairman of Niger Tornadoes, Honourable Adamu Aliyu has attributed the club's success story this season to hardwork.

 

The Ikon Allah Boys are on the verge of promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NNL).

Abubakar Bala Mohammed managed Tornadoes' have picked four points from two games at the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8.

Tornadoes drew 0-0 with DMD and humbled Elkanemi Warriors 2-0.

They only need at least a point to be sure of promotion to the elite league in their final group game against Gombe United on Saturday.

"This is a great achievement on the part of the boys. I want to thank God Almighty and also give kudos to the coaching staff and players for a job well done so far. We can't afford to celebrate yet," Aliyu said.

"Before the Super 8 we planned very well and set our target. The success story of Niger Tornadoes in the regular season and Super 8 play-off in Enugu is a product of hardwork, patience and commitment from the squad in ensuring that our set objectives for the season are achieved.

"Credit too must go to the Niger State Government for providing financial backing to the team and indeed the Executive Governor, His Excellency Abubakar Sani Bello personal interest in sports and the state-sponsored team, Tornadoes.

"We have set a standard and the technical crew have done extremely well looking at the process of players recruitment and executing matches to getting the needed results.

Meanwhile, Aliyu confirmed: "Our Governor put a call through to the team after the victory against Elkanemi Warriors and one of the promises he made was to gift the team a bus once everything is sealed."

Abubakar Bala: The Sin Qua Non

When the sun sets, it simultaneously rises anew, afresh the very next day, this time around, when the sun of KWARA UNITED rises, it does in person of Coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed, one of the Nigeria new generation football Coach from Chanchaga, Niger State.

Fresh gets Niger State Nation-wide League One clubs preseason invites

Chairman of Technical and Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh is one of the special guests invited for the final of Preseason Tournament organised for clubs based in Niger State who are participating in the Nigeria Nation-wide League (NLO) One.

Tornadoes' Ikefe banks on determination to beat Akwa United

Niger Tornadoes' utility player, Andrew Ikefe has singled out determination as tonic his side would need to get over Akwa United when both sides meet in the 2017 Aiteo Cup final on Sunday in Lagos.

Bala remains coy over Tornadoes' Chance of winning Aiteo Cup

Technical Adviser of Aiteo Cup finalist, Niger Tornadoes, Abubakar Bala has talked down his side's chances of beating Akwa United in the final on Sunday.

Aiteo Cup final: One man standing Ilyasu hoping to repeat 2000 magic with Niger Tornadoes

Ilyasu Ishyaku, the only remaining player among the 2000 FA Cup winning team with Niger Tornadoes, and he's set to make it double with the Ikon Allah Boys 17 after surprisingly beating Enugu Rangers 1-0 in the final, with a clash against Cup favorites Akwa United in the 2017 Aiteo Cup final.

Aiteo Cup: Niger Tornadoes book final ticket, edge FC IfeanyiUbah on goal aggregate

By Wale Mustapha 

Godwin Obaje's 85 minutes' goal was not enough for defending champions, FC IfeanyiUbah as Niger Tornadoes bundled them out of 2017 Aiteo Cup 4-3 on aggregate.

Tornadoes rally to beat FC IfeanyiUbah in Aiteo Cup semis

Niger Tornadoes came from teo goals down to beat FC IfeanyiUbah 4-2 in the Aiteo Cup first leg semifinal clash played at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja on Saturday.

Aiteo Cup: Bala hopeful young Tornadoes will sail through IfeanyiUbah

Niger Tornadoes' Technical Adviser, Abubakar Bala has disclosed that his side would respect their semifinal opponent, FC Ifeanyi Ubah as the defending champion of AITEO Cup but believes his young tutored side was equipped to give them a good game.

Aiteo Cup: Tornadoes pip J. Atete in Lokoja

By Wale Mustapha 

Niger Tornadoes defeated 10 men Julius Atete 1-0 in the Round 32 of the 2017 Aiteo Cup clash played at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja on Wednesday.

ABS FC downs Tornadoes in Ilorin

Substitute Eugene Ossy's 84th minute strike for ABS FC quelled the upsurge of Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin as the Saraki Boys grind out a 2-1 win in one of the Matchday 22 of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL encounters played on Sunday.

NPFL Match Preview: FC IfeanyiUbah vs Niger Tornadoes

With two successive home wins against Akwa United and dimming of Sunshine Stars, Niger Tornadoes will be the guest of FC Ifeanyi Ubah in match day 16 of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL at the Ifeanyi Ubah International Stadium on Wednesday evening. 

Tornadoes harden ground for Solid Miners in Lokoja

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.

Bala rues Tornadoes' slim defeat to Warriors

Coach Abubakar Bala of Niger Tornadoes says that the slow reactions of his players led to his side lone goal defeat at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Wednesday.