By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
As countdown to the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League begins, the Niger State Government, the owners and financier of Tornadoes Football Club of Minna, has mandated the team to grab a continental ticket at the end of forth coming season.
Niger state Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development, Mamman Musa, handed the charge during the unveiling ceremony of 13 new players recruited by the club, including 3 non-Nigerians, which took place at the Sports Council, Minna, on Thursday.
Speaking through the State Director of Sports, Alhaji Baba Sheshi Katcha, the Commissioner assured the team of the state government’s continued support by ensuring prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements of players and the supporting staff.
“We are not unmindful of challenges the team is facing that are responsible for them playing our matches away from home and depriving over 4 million Nigerlites of watching them at home. We will do everything humanly possible to ensure that the team returns home.
“You finished last season in 12th position, it was not a bad finishing neither was it a good one, but with the new season around the corner, we expect you to improve on the last season by getting a Continental ticket”.
The commissioner therefore called on the 13 newly recruited players, including the 3 foreigners that were conspicuously absent at the unveiling to make commitments, loyalty and dedication their watchword, if they want to succeed in their career playing for Tornadoes.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Niger Tornadoes Football Club, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu, who spoke through his deputy, Musa Ibrahim Matane, said the management and technical crew had painstakingly recruited new players to add value to the team.
The newly recruited players included; Sheriff Amuda from Tornere FC of Benin Republic, Babatunde Taofeeq of Offa United, Dennis Mse from Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Charles Okafor from Akwa United.
Others are; Babatunde Solomon from Bayelsa United, Udochkwu Anumudu from Abia Warriors, Oke Oluwaseun Tonerefa from Benin Republic, Demilola Fagbenla Tonerefa Benin Republic and Olawole from Remo Stars
Also recruited for Niger Tornadoes are; Frank Kapke from Katsina United football club, Roland Precious from MFM, Lagos and Umar Idris from Potiskun Academy. NNL.
