Bashir Usman’s 10th goal of the season salvaged a crucial point for Niger Tornadoes as they drew 1-1 with Kwara United in a dramatic NPFL Matchday 34 encounter at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
The Ikon Allah Boys’ top scorer came off the bench to rescue a point with a late equalizer, sparing his team from defeat.
The first half was a lackluster affair, with few chances created by both teams. The Ikon Allah Boys were however forced to make an early substitution after an injury to Ikenna Offor, a move that obviously altered the hosts’ game plan as the first half ended goalless.
The second half saw an increase in tempo, with the visitors eventually breaking the deadlock through Ibrahim Dehinde’s strike, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up.
As the clock ticked away, Niger Tornadoes pushed hard for an equalizer, and their efforts paid off when Bashir Usman latched on to Adeyinka Najeem’s long range assist to strike and secure a vital point for his team. The dramatic finish ensured that the hosts escaped defeat and stayed a little above the drop zone in the NPFL standings.
*(Post-match reaction)*
Niger Tornadoes Assistant Coach Isyaku Ilyasu’s take on the result.
“…It’s really unfortunate, we worked very hard and planned to get the three points, because we knew it will elevate us from the position we are, since the season is coming to an end, but generally, we just had a bad day, even the fans are aware of that. They know the kind of football we have played here, but today is just that off day and you can’t rule it out in football. Thankfully through our resilience we were able to pick at least a point.”
*CAUTION:*
48′ Sadiq Razaq
*SUBS:*
10′
Ikenna Offor Out, Sadiq Razaq In.
70′
Bashir Usman In, Nwani Ikechukwu Out.
Adeyinka Najeem In, Alex Godwin Out.
79′
Solomon Owello In, Akintunde Azeez Out.
Ifeanyi Okoye Out, Lukman Mohammed In.
*UNUSED SUBS:*
Joshua Enaholo
Mohammed Hussaini
Sadiq Isyaka
Bolaji Adeyemo
*Up Next*
Kano Pillars 🆚 Niger Tornadoes
