By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna has finally broken their winless streak at home, securing their first victory at Bako Kontagora Stadium in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
The Ikon Allah Boys, who have shown strong performances in away games this season, had struggled at home, enduring four winless matches. This win was crucial to boost their standings in the league table and complement their impressive away results.
Previously, the team had played four home matches at Bako Kontagora Stadium, resulting in three draws against Nassarawa United, Bendel Insurance of Benin, and Lobi Stars of Makurdi, and a defeat to Rivers United.
On Sunday, in match day 10 of the league, Niger Tornadoes delivered a stellar performance, defeating Shooting Stars Football Club of Akure, Ondo State, 2-0, to record their first home win of the season.
From the start, Niger Tornadoes dominated the game, applying relentless pressure on the visitors. Their efforts paid off around the 30-minute mark when Joseph Godstime’s brilliant finish gave them a lead in the first half.
The second half was intense as the visitors sought an equaliser, while Tornadoes aimed for a securing goal. A decisive individual move by substitute Rickson Mendos in the 87th minute sealed the victory for Tornadoes.
In his post-match reaction, Coach Majin Mohammed attributed the win to the collective effort of all stakeholders and expressed gratitude to the supporters and fans for their patience and faith in the team.
“We are going to work harder to continue achieving positive results, especially at home, to complement our away performances,” said Coach Majin.
He also emphasised that the technical crew has the discretion to make substitutions as needed, regardless of whether the team is playing at home or away.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The younger brother of the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Sale Bahago, has generously supported football teams from the five local government areas representing the Emirate in the ongoing Niger State Governor’s Cup football competition in Lapai. His contributions include jerseys and cash donations.
The Chairman of the Minna Emirate Football Organisation, Alhaji Abdullahi L.S. Dangana, disclosed this on Saturday during the presentation ceremony at Layali Hotel, Lapai. He explained that Alhaji Bahago initially donated a set of football jerseys to the Chanchaga local government team. Upon realising that Chanchaga was not the only local government representing the Emirate, he extended his support by donating ₦20,000 each to the remaining four teams.
Alhaji Dangana urged the participants to maintain a positive attitude and represent the Emirate honourably in the ongoing Governor’s Cup. He also called on other affluent individuals to emulate Alhaji Bahago’s generosity and encouraged the beneficiaries to use the donations wisely.
Comrade Barau Awaisu Kuta, a board member representing the Emirate in the state football association, presented the donations on behalf of Alhaji Bahago. He commended the gesture, noting that Minna Emirate, as the host of the state capital, is one of the most respected emirates in the state. He expressed optimism that other sons and daughters of the Emirate would follow Alhaji Bahago’s example.
Comrade Barau Awaisu also acknowledged the Fresh Ambassadors Football Organisation for their plans to organise a football tournament for teams in the Emirate. He urged participants to stay focused, disciplined, and adhere to the rules of the game in the ongoing Governor’s Cup.
Mohammed Musa Yaro, the Ward Head of Alagbado in Ketaren Gwari district of the Minna Emirate, spoke on behalf of the Emirate and the philanthropist’s family. He mentioned that more of such gestures were forthcoming, as they were already in consultation with their colleagues. He appreciated the donations and urged the beneficiaries to utilise them for their intended purposes.
Moses Bulus Manzo, the sports secretary of Bosso local government, speaking on behalf of all the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the donor and prayed for those who initiated the move that led to this fruitful outcome.