NPFL: Enyimba and Niger Tornadoes share spoils in Aba
Majin Mohammed’s Niger Tornadoes have continued to churn out impressive performances on the road with another spectacular and hard-fought draw against Enyimba FC in Aba in an NPFL Match Day 7 encounter.
Joseph Godstime put the visitors in front towards the end of the first half when he received a well-tailored pass from Papa Daniel and bulldozed his way past Enyimba players before releasing a bullet shot that sailed into the net.
It was dominant first half that saw both teams creating a handful chances but were fluffed as the visitors led at the break.
The second have restarted with Enyimba showing serious intentions to get back on level terms, the two teams however made tactical changes as Tornadoes replaced Papa Daniel, introducing Ifeanyi Okoye, while Coach Yemi of Enyimba introduced the likes of Benedict Atule and Chinedu Ufere.
Tornadoes came close to increasing the tally through Godstime who had a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper but his placing went a little wide.
Substitute Chinedu Ufere restored parity for his team with the time at 76th minute when he head home from a goal mouth melee.
It was a late drama and thrilling conclusion to the game, as Enyimba pushed aggressively for a winner, but Niger Tornadoes’ resilient defense and Yusuf Mohammed’s exceptional goalkeeping secured a valuable away point.
“It is not always easy playing against a team of Enyimba’s calibre, parading experience players and and managed by a professional,” Majin Mohammed said.
“They are only the surviving Nigeria team on the continent, so we knew what we are coming to face, that’s why we prepared adequately for the game, so am not surprised with the result, in fact this result is like a win for us.”
“Well, against Rivers United, I’ll continue to appeal to the home fans to be remain calm and patient with the boys, we will continue to put in effort towards breaking our home drought.”
“The officiating has improved greatly and it will help the growth of the league to a great extent.”