The Chairman of the Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna has announced that the team's return to Bako Kontagora Stadium for its home matches in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is a significant advantage. This move is expected to reduce costs and bolster fan support.
Speaking to members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Niger State chapter, the chairman highlighted the challenges of playing home matches away from their traditional ground. He likened it to playing all 38 league matches away, emphasising the stress and financial burden it imposed on the team.
Returning to Bako Kontagora Stadium will alleviate the constant travel stress and expenses, allowing the team to enjoy the support of their home fans. Previously, while using Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, the team had to arrive four days before match day, incurring costs of about N5.5 million per match for stadium facilities, accommodation, and feeding.
Engr. Dada noted that despite the open gates at the Kaduna stadium, they rarely attracted more than a hundred supporters. He is optimistic that the home fans in Minna will fill the stadium to capacity, providing much-needed support.
Niger Tornadoes, funded solely by the Niger State government, aim to give soccer-loving Nigerlites the opportunity to watch their team play locally. The Chairman expressed gratitude to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the state ministry of sports for their support in facilitating the team's return to Minna. He assured that the management would continue to work hard to maintain this arrangement.
The chairman also called on all stakeholders to support the team and urged fans to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during home matches to ensure the success of their return to Minna.