Bala happy for Tornadoes NPFL stay
Niger Tornadoes head coach, Abubakar Bala is greatly overwhelmed with joy to secure the side status quo in the on-going Nigerian top-flight.
The Minna outfit stunned Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC 3-1 in Sunday’s top-flight matchday 37 clash at adopted ground the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.
Solomon Owello scored a brace in the 6th and 25th minute while Gabriel Wassa grabbed the winner in the 51st minute to hand the side the vital win and Stephen Odey scored the consolation in the 75th minute for the Olukoya Boys.
Bala said his match plan and tactics worked perfectly well as his wards adhered strictly to instruction to make life difficult for the visitors.
“Our tactics worked quite well, the players played to instructions and that’s the reason we were able to subdue MFM FC.
“MFM FC are not bad side but after we took time out to watch the tape of their game at Enyimba in Port Harcourt we were imbued with confidence and certainty to unsettle them.
“The win against MFM FC has finally cemented our spot in the top-flight and I’m delighted to be the midwife that performed the safe delivery.
“It’s highly satisfying as this is the first time I’m handling an NPFL side.
“I took over Tornadoes from FC Lokoja (amateur side) during a period of crisis but we were able to weather the storm and here we are firmly in the top-flight.
“I have proven a point that I can do more and happy not to have disappointed the management,” said Bala to supersport.com.
Bala said his next target is to break the four-year jinx of no away point at former champions, Kano Pillars.
The win against MFM FC has taken Tornadoes to NPFL safety on 48 points 12 adrift leaders, Enugu Rangers.
