NPFL 24: Niger Tornadoes pick vital win in five goal thriller against Heartland FC
Five breathtaking goals lights up the match day 17 encounter involving Niger Tornadoes and Heartland FC of Owerri as the battle for survival takes the center stage at the ABS Kaduna, the adopted home ground of the Ikon Allah Boys.
The hosts set the game on as early as 11th minute when Akintunde Azeez capitalizes on a rebound to put his team in front in what was his first goal of the season.
Tornadoes had tons of chances to double their lead but all attempts were fluffed as the visitor siezes the momentum when a well taken free kick by Clement Ogbobe sails into the net to level the scoreline with 34th minutes on the clock.
Heartland shockingly took the lead 3 minutes after their equalizing goal when goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo mistimed the ball as George Jenom reacts quickest to nod home to give his team the lead.
Tornadoes dominated proceedings through the closing stages of the first half, and the Ikon Allah Boys restores parity courtesy of Mohammed Hussaini who uses his height to heads home from a close range after a goal mouth melee.
Four goals were scored in the first half, two each from either sides, as the referee sounds his whistle for the break.
Second half resumes with the two teams filing out well determined to dig out a result.
The hosts puts their right foots forward, piling pressure on the visitors in an attempt to snatch an early lead.
Coach Majin Mohammed's led technical bench introduced Star Boy and Tornadoes game changer, Bashir Usman alongside Hamza Mohammed in place of Abiodun Adebayo and Ifeanyi Okoye midway through the second half.
70th minute on the clock and Joshua Enaholo's heroics denies the visitors from retaking the lead when he miraculously parries away a dangerous cross into the area to keep the score.
It was the defining moment of the game asTornadoes retake the lead on the 76th minute when Bashir Usman beats his markers and beautifully lays a pass to in-running Sadiq Isyaka who cleverly fires home to send the entire stadium into raptures.
Bashir Usman had a chance to score, but was brilliantly denied by the Heartland goalkeeper who turns his well taken effort away.
It was an emphatic victory for the Ikon Allah Boys as they moved out of the red zone with three places to 15th on log.
Interim Technical Adviser Majin Mohammed said after the game; "We feel great, very very great, kudos to the boys, they know what is at stake, that's why you are seeing this kind of fight from them."
"The two teams are struggling and it's now survival of the fittest, that is what you've seen from the boys."
"Like I always said the boys have realized that we are in danger and the only way to get out of the danger is to wake up."
"Thank God we have succeeded in this one, with the maximum points, we will go back home and prepare for Sunshine Stars."
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