Niger Tornadoes head coach Majin Mohammed has urged his players to stay focused and confident as they kick off their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season against Nasarawa United.
The match, originally set for Match Day 1, will now be played at the Rashidi Yekini Stadium in Ilorin – a venue away from both clubs’ home grounds.
Despite not playing at their usual home stadium, Mohammed believes his team is well prepared. He reminded fans and players that Tornadoes won their first game of last season in Ilorin, beating their opponents 2-1. He sees this as a positive sign heading into the new campaign.
“It’s not ideal playing away from our home ground,” Mohammed admitted, “but we’ve done it before and won here. The players are used to it now, and we’re treating this like any other game.”
Tornadoes have a good recent record under Majin Mohammed, including a win and a draw last season against Mbwas Mangut, who now coaches Nasarawa United. The last time the two teams met, the match ended goalless in Minna.
This clash is being seen as a North Central Derby, and although it’s on neutral ground, both sides will be eager to make a strong start.
“We know what’s at stake,” Mohammed said. “The season is just beginning, and we want to start with a win.”
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two determined teams, with both managers familiar with each other’s tactics.