Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna have secured their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) status after a thrilling five-goal classic in Kaduna during the 2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 38 fixtures.
The Ikon Allah Boys cemented their place in the NPFL for another season after edging Kano Pillars 3-2 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
Needing just a point to avoid relegation, the Minna-based outfit found themselves trailing four minutes into the game, conceding in bizarre fashion through Rabiu Ali's spectacular long-range goal that caught goalkeeper Yusuf Mohammed off guard.
The Ikon Allah Boys quickly drew level within two minutes via a penalty kick converted by Joseph Godstime after a foul on Chima Deruo. Both teams went into the dressing room level at 1-1.
The second half restarted with Tornadoes dictating the pace, and they won another penalty 51 minutes into the game after Najeem Adeyinka was fouled in the box. Although Mohammed Hussaini's penalty effort was saved by Muttaka Musa, Tornadoes took the lead when Ismaila Sarki coolly slotted home from close range after Chima's pass.
Substitute Kufre Ebong grabbed the third goal six minutes before regulation time, capitalizing on Rickson Mendos' assist. The visitors reduced the deficit when Auwal Naziru Abubakar scored for Kano Pillars, but it was too little, too late, as Tornadoes held on for the 3-2 win.
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