NPFL:Tornadoes Succumbs To A Slim Defeat In Lafia Against Title Chasing Lobi Stars

By Sedara Philip

The Ikon Allah Boys forced hosts Lobi Stars to a nail biting moment before succumbing to a late Kumaga Suur’s goal to suffer a first defeat in 3 games at the Lafia City Stadium.

Niger Tornadoes got their game plan spot on and matched the hosts for size in the opening moment of the game as they thwarts all attacking traits of Lobi Stars through out the duration of first half.

Ifeanyi Okoye suffered a knock and was replaced by Sadiq Isyaka shortly before the break.

The first half ended in a stalemate with no goal to separate the two teams.

Second half resumes and Akintunde Azeez thought he had beaten the offside trap immediately after the restart when Mohammed Hussaini’s touring pass falls on his leg and he does well to slot the ball passed Lucky Abdullahi, but unfortunately for the striker, the lines man flag was up and the goal ruled out by the arbiters for offside.

The host broke the deadlock 75th minute on the clock through Kumaga Suur who picks the ball from the middle, drives forward and releases a thunderous shot that sails pass Joshua Enaholo in goal to throw the entire stadium into frenzy.

Moments after going behind, Clinton Jephta collects a pass from Idris Saidu, he turns and fires a long range shot that hits the cross bar in what could easily have been the leveller.

Tornadoes subbed on Bashir Usman and Farouk Manuga in a bid to salvage something from the game but proved fruitless as the hosts ran out with their slim win.

Tornadoes acting TA Coach Majin Mohammed during a post match presser, praised his boys for a brave performance against a strong Lobi Stars team.