Niger Tornadoes started their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a 1-0 victory over Nasarawa United at the Kwara Sports Complex.
The only goal of the match came in the 24th minute from debutant Terdoo Shimagande, who joined Tornadoes in July from relegated Heartland. The forward volleyed home after being set up by Abba Khalid to give the Ikon Allah Boys the lead.
Ironically, Shimagande’s only goal last season came against Tornadoes, but this time he scored for them to seal all three points.
The hosts had started brightly, with Dalhatu and Joseph Godstime troubling the Nasarawa defence before the breakthrough.
Nasarawa United improved after the break and pressed for an equaliser through their midfield, but Tornadoes’ backline, marshalled by Sunday Akinmoladun, held strong.
Tornadoes suffered a setback when Godstime went off injured in the 64th minute, but coach Majin Mohammed responded by bringing on Kufre Ebong late on for Shimagande to help protect the lead. Despite late pressure from the visitors, Tornadoes stood firm to secure the win.
The result places Tornadoes among six clubs who opened the NPFL season with a victory, alongside El-Kanemi Warriors, Abia Warriors, Bayelsa United, Wikki Tourists and Warri Wolves.