By Our Football Correspondent in Minna
MINNA – The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) signed off for 2025 with a masterclass in home dominance as Niger Tornadoes dismantled Barau FC 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
While the goals from Abdulaz Dalhatu and Musa Rickson secured the three points, the real star of the show was the Bako Kontagora Stadium.
After speculation earlier in the season regarding venue suitability, the Minna ground proved exactly why it is one of the most feared destinations in West African football.
The atmosphere in the 5,000-capacity arena was electric from kickoff.
The “Ikon Allah” boys fed off the energy of the local faithful, pinning the newly-promoted Barau deep into their own half.
The Fortress Holds Firm
Despite the dusty harmattan winds swirling across the pitch, Tornadoes found their rhythm in the 35th minute. Dalhatu rose highest to meet a swinging cross, sent the home crowd into a frenzy, and broke the deadlock with a clinical header.
Barau, known as the “Maliya Boys,” struggled to adapt to the tight, intimidating confines of the Minna stadium.
Every touch from the visitors was met with a wall of noise, and their creative outlets were effectively smothered by the Tornadoes’ midfield.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time and Barau pushed for a desperate equalizer, the home side struck on the counter.
Musa Rickson showed blistering pace to clear the defense and slot home in the 95th minute, sealing a result that keeps Tornadoes firmly in the hunt for the top four.
The victory moves Niger Tornadoes to 29 points, cementing their reputation as a side that simply does not blink when playing on their own turf.
For Barau, it was a harsh lesson in the physical and mental demands of playing in the heart of Niger State.
As the final whistle blew, the Minna fans stayed long after the players left the pitch, celebrating a year where their home ground remained a genuine “no-go area” for visitors
