30/09/2026
OKOYE CHARGES TORNADOES PLAYERS TO END WINLESS RUN
One of the longest-serving captains of Niger Tornadoes FC, Ifeanyi Okoye, has called on his teammates to raise their performance and respond positively to the club’s unimpressive start to the Euromatch NPFL 2026/27 campaign.
Okoye, who noted that this is Niger Tornadoes’ sixth consecutive season in the Nigerian top flight since gaining promotion in 2021, said the club cannot afford to return to the lower division, considering its current position on the league table.
“I know how we laboured to achieve promotion back to the top flight, and no one will wish to experience such feelings again. Hence, the need for all of us to put heads together and rise to the occasion by giving the fans and supporters, who spend their hard-earned money to watch us, something to be proud of.
“I also want to acknowledge the important roles played by the present management led by the chairman, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso and the technical crew, we appreciate their sacrifices. The stadium has been renovated, the players’ camp has also been renovated to an appreciable standard, and no player is owed salary or match bonuses. This makes it even more important for us, as players, to play our part by improving our performance, beginning with the game against Kun Khalifat FC.”
Okoye also acknowledged the rebuilding challenge confronting the technical crew led by Coach Kabiru Suleiman Dogo following the departure of a large number of players from last season’s squad.
“Only a handful of regular first-team players from last season are still here, so the current technical crew has to start rebuilding the team after the departure of nearly 80 per cent of the first-team players.
“It is a herculean task, but we have to come together as players, challenge ourselves to improve on our performances.”
The call comes as the Ikon Allah Boys endure a difficult spell, having gone five matches without a win. The Minna-based side have garnered five points from a possible 18, recording one win, two draws and three defeats, all coming away from home, leaving the team 17th on the league table.
With a return to winning ways now a priority, Niger Tornadoes will host Kun Khalifat FC in the next league fixture at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, with Okoye insisting that nothing short of victory will satisfy the team’s supporters.
For the veteran midfielder, Sunday’s encounter presents an opportunity for the Ikon Allah Boys to respond on the pitch and begin the push away from the danger zone.
©️NTFC MEDIA