Niger Tornadoes delivered a dominant performance to dismantle El-Kanemi Warriors 3–0 in their NPFL Matchday 17 encounter in Minna. A first-half penalty from Akintunde Azeez and a late brace from Rickson Mendos ensured a comfortable home victory for the Ikon Allah Boys.
The hosts made a blistering start, taking the lead as early as the fifth minute when Akintunde Azeez calmly converted from the penalty spot. The decision came after Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai was brought down in the box, leaving the referee with no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
El-Kanemi Warriors responded positively after conceding, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. However, despite their improved spell, Niger Tornadoes also created several chances of their own and could have extended their lead before the interval, though the first half ended with the hosts holding a slender advantage.
The visitors began the second half with renewed intent, introducing fresh legs in a bid to restore parity. Their substitutions brought more energy, but they struggled to break down a disciplined Tornadoes defence.
Niger Tornadoes coach Majin Mohammed made tactical changes of his own, introducing Ahmed Family and Rickson Mendos. The substitutions proved decisive as the hosts turned up the pressure.
The breakthrough arrived in the 79th minute when Ahmadu Liman’s well-delivered free kick found Rickson Mendos, who powered a header into the net to double Tornadoes’ lead. Just four minutes later, Mendos completed his brace, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box before rifling it home to make it 3–0.
Coach Majin Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the result despite his team’s struggle at some point in the game, adding that his substitutions in the second half made the difference.
Next Up for the Ikon Allah Boys is a trip to Ibadan to engage Shooting Stars Sports Club.
