By Our Sports Reporter in Minna
MINNA- Niger Tornadoes kicked off their NPFL season with a bang, but it was the unforgiving Bako Kontagora Stadium pitch in Minna that arguably played the biggest role in their slender 1-0 victory over title contenders Remo Stars on Saturday.
The notorious home turf of the ‘Ikon Allah Boys’, which has been the subject of much debate and temporary league bans over the years for its condition, was a major talking point as the match descended into a scrappy, mud-splattered affair.
It took just two minutes for the decisive moment to arrive, before the battle became solely about survival.
Striker Clinton Jephta latched onto a rare fluid passing move, punishing a momentary lapse in the Remo Stars’ defence to slot home the winner.
However, the early goal was the last piece of true quality on display.
As the game wore on, the uneven and often waterlogged surface of the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium turned the encounter into a physical ordeal.
Remo Stars, known for their passing game, struggled to string together any meaningful attacks, with their intricate build-up play constantly broken up by unpredictable bounces and standing water.
The Sky Blue Stars’ technical adviser was visibly frustrated on the sidelines as his players repeatedly overhit passes or misjudged the pace of the ball.
For the home side, the venue proved to be an invaluable 12th man.
Their familiarity with the unique challenges of the Minna pitch allowed them to dominate the midfield battle and stifle Remo Stars’ attempts to find an equalizer.
Niger Tornadoes successfully parked the bus after their early strike, relying on their defence and the poor surface to see out a vital three points against one of the league’s heavyweights.
While the celebration was sweet for Tornadoes faithful, the question remains: Can the NPFL’s playing venues sustain a quality footballing product? On this evidence, the Minna pitch itself won the Man of the Match award.
