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.

Tornadoes Get Governor Bello's #1Million Largesse For Win Against Dakkada

 

It was ecstasy in the camp of Niger Tornadoes after the club Chairman Honourable Adamu Aliyu who doubles as the Principal Private Secretary to Nigeria State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, redeemed the One Million naira pledge made by His Excellency to the team for beating Dakkada.

Recall, the Ikon Allah Boys eased past stubborn Dakkada via a David Okoromi strike in a Matchday 9 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.  

After three consecutive draws in their adopted home ground, the needed 3 points spurred Tornadoes on, as they finished the first half of the season 5th on the Group B log with 12 points, and kept their hunt for a Super 6 play-off ticket alive.

Coach Bala Abubakar who shared the news with the media, thanked Governor Abubakar Sani Bello for his kind gesture and commitment towards the club.

"I feel we should show appreciation to our Governor for doing well this time as regards motivation, which has been lacking for a long time.

"For us, this is the tonic needed to galvanise the team going forward as it has been a tough first stanza, as its never easy playing home matches away from home.

"Despite the hurdles, we are still on track to finish the season on a high. Not forgetting our amiable Chairman, Honourable Aliyu, credit to him for his hard work and support towards the team." 

Meanwhile, as weeks turn into days to the season's second-half kick-off, Bala has assured fans and critics to watch out for a better Tornadoes. 

"We have used the election break to drill and reinforced the team with quality legs as we are working tirelessly on the team's weak areas we had identified in the first round.

" I don't want to make any promises but I want to assure everyone that Tornadoes will get it right in the second stanza of the season."

Giants Football Academy unveils Attai Usman as new Head Coach

The management of Giants Football Academy, Minna has unveiled Coach Attai Johnson Usman as the new Head Coach of the Club on a 2-year deal.

Poised to improve the standard of the Academy, the Chairman of Giants FA, Ibrahim Adegbola Adeshola during the unveiling ceremony noted that the choice of Coach Usman was borne out of the need to keep up with the high standard the club is known for and to also strengthen its resolve towards becoming a positive reference point in the football industry.

Adeshola expressed optimism that the club will definitely take a new leap with the loads of experience the new gaffer is bringing on board.

Usman,a National Institute of Sports (NIS) certified Coach among many other qualifications holds an FCAAN Coaching license C, D and UEFA 'B' license of Bulgeria football Union.

Speaking to the newsmen after his unveiling in Minna on Monday, the former Bendel Insurance player says his target is to take the football Academy to the highest level.

He promised to work round the clock in order to achieve the inception message of the Academy which involves discovering of talents and creating opportunities for them. 

"My target is to bring about a change that has never been seen before while we also build a special Academy that will attract a lot of people" said the tactician.

Attai added that part of his aims for the Academy will also include to develop players that can go in to the National team from the junior cadre to the senior cadre.

Usman brings a lot of experience as a gaffer having handled teams in Kaduna, Osun and Niger States.

His working experience covers being an assistant coach at Niger Tornadoes feeders team, Head Coach at Mao FC Osogbo, Romi United FC and Panonias FA in Kaduna, Mypa FC and Niger United FC in Minna , Niger State.

Born on 31st of December,1968 , Attai who also had a stint with Katsina United, Niger Dock FC of Lagos, Gray College FC, Arewa Textile FC and Customs FC in Kaduna hails from Dekina local government area of Kogi State.

Giants FA, an NLO 3 side based in Minna, Niger State Capital was established on December 4, 2018 and has been producing talented footballers for professional teams in the country.

Among many of its product is Bafan Augustine,the midfielder who was part of the team that promoted Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna back to the NPFL

Babawo Stars as Tornadoes dislodge Abia Warriors

Two late strikes from Ibrahim Babawo 73rd and Bolaji Adeyemo 80th ensured the ikon Allah boys swim out of relegation after poor result.

Tornadoes set for winning start at Minna against Abia Warriors

Niger Tornadoes will host Abia Warriors in the Matchday 10 of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL encounter at their traditional home ground Bako Kontogora Stadium for the first time since gaining promotion to the elite season three seasons ago.