Niger Tornadoes missed the opportunity to move temporarily to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after playing out a goalless draw against Barau FC in their Matchday 11 encounter at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.

The fixture, which served as the curtain-raiser for Matchday 11, attracted a large crowd, including top officials of the Niger State Government, who turned out to support the home side.

Among the dignitaries present were Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman, Commissioner for Sports Development Isah Wakili and Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission Danjuma Abdul Masu.

Both teams produced an entertaining contest and created clear-cut goalscoring opportunities but lacked the finishing touch to find the back of the net.

Despite enjoying home support, the Ikon Allah Boys were unable to break down a disciplined Barau FC defence, as the visitors held on to secure a valuable point in Minna.

Speaking after the encounter, Niger Tornadoes Chief Coach Abdullahi Umar Tyabo expressed disappointment with the outcome, insisting that his team deserved to win.

Tyabo explained that following consecutive home victories, the team had hoped to maintain its impressive run of results in October by securing another three points. However, he admitted that the players were unable to achieve their objective against a determined Barau FC side.

The coach assured supporters that the team would regroup, put the disappointing result behind them and work towards addressing their goalscoring difficulties.

He also said attention would now shift to their next assignment, with the team determined to return to winning ways and secure a positive result on the road.

The draw takes Niger Tornadoes to 16 points, leaving them fifth on the NPFL table, pending the outcome of the remaining weekend fixtures.

The Minna-based side will next travel to Benin City to face Bendel Insurance next week, where the Ikon Allah Boys will seek to bounce back and strengthen their position on the league standings.

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