Niger Tornadoes Winless Home Streak Against Rangers Continues.

… As coach describes The Defeat As Temporary Setback.

ADIGUN TUNDE -MINNA

The Rangers International Football club, Enugu otherwise known as the Flying Antepoles, came to Bako Kontagora Stadium live and at the end of the setting pipped their host, Niger Tornadoes Football Club , fondly called the Allah Boys one goal to nil.

Host team were made to pay for their missed scoring chances in defeat to league defending champions Rangers Int’l at the Bako Kontagora Stadium Minna, with Bashir Usman’s first half strike sealed victory for the Flying Antelopes.

Majin Mohammed’s side who were still reeling their last minute defeat in Kano the previous weekend and aiming for victory against Rangers but failed in their third attempts as the visitors grind out victory albeit the hard way.

The first half proceedings saw the two teams trying to assert control of the game, however the front three of Ernest, Williams and Mendos had their moments but failed to make the most it.

It was a little above the half hour mark and Bashir Usman put his team into the lead when he traded a pass with his colleague, drives into area before releasing a shot that beat Yusuf Mohammed in goal.

All attempts to level the score before the break proved abortive as the visitors defense remained resolute.

Proceedings for the second half commenced and it was Tornadoes attack versus Lucky Abdullahi in goal for Rangers.

The ex Tornadoes goalie proved why he’s one of the most sort after shot stoppers in the land with some vital and brilliant saves to protect his team’s advantage.

Papa Daniel who made a quick return from the national team to team up with his colleagues, tried everything to split open the opponents rear and get the elusive goal but proved hard before he was withdrawn for Ifeanyi Okoye.

The likes of Tasiu Lawal and Olawale Emmanuel were introduced in a bid get a goal, but the more Tornadoes press, the more Rangers back line continued to soak off the pressure until the blast of the final whistle.

This made it three consecutive home games against Rangers without a win on the part of the Tornadoes.

Coach Majin Mohammed summed up his reactions, post-match thus:
“It was a temporary setback, we played against a formidable and experience side, league defending champions, they showed why they were champions.”

“Yes, Papa Daniel looked fatigued, that’s why we started him; to see what he can offer us, he did he best”

“We will assess the team during the break, look at the strength and weaknesses to see where we can beef up, especially in midfield and attack.”