Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has hailed the state’s football club, Niger Tornadoes, for an impressive outing in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The governor said though Niger Tornadoes did not win the league, it retained its status on the nation’s elite soccer competition.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Jibrin Ndace, the governor said, “the club’s performance is a testimony that the ‘Nitas are committed to making a difference in the round leather game.
“Niger State government and the entire people of the state are proud with the achievements of the Minna soccer lords despite the challenges faced throughout the out-going league season.”
Governor Bello recalled that many people were skeptical at the commencement of the season of the “Ikon Allah team” retaining its NPFL status especially as they had to play home matches outside the home state in neighbouring Lokoja, Kogi State.
The number one supporter of Tornadoes however congratulated the team for its last home match 3-1 victory over the hard fighting Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) FC, which guarantees its position in next year NPFL campaign.
Bello said that he monitored with admiration the resilience and consistency of the team despite its challenges. “Your dedication, commitment and perseverance have shown that we can pull through any situation.
“I celebrate with you our darling team. You have made us proud”, the governor said.
He said everyone knows the effects of playing games outside your original playing ground but the boys really displayed rare talent to emerge victorious.
“Honestly speaking many did not give the team the chance of surviving in the league; playing her home matches away from home, but you have surprised your critics by surviving in the league with still one game to spare.
“I want to commend the players for maintaining the NPFL status and also the coaching crew, the back-room staff as well as the club’s management for being able to achieve this feat even with the lean resources available to the club”.
The governor thanked his Kogi State counterpart, Governor Yahaya Bello, for being a good host as well as the entire people of Kogi State for overwhelmingly supporting Niger Tornadoes.
