By Alhassan Kutigi

Niger Tornadoes on Saturday consolidated their quest to retain their league status in the 2022 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season with a 1-0 win over visiting Nasarawa United in matchday 34 clash in Kaduna, bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The Ikon Allah Boys were made to sweat before grabbing the crucial win courtesy of Jimmy Abdul’s fantastic volley against tactically disciplined Nasarawa United, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

The blockbuster north central contest, began on a high tempo, with both teams trying to dictate the pace of the game, in an early minute opening exchanges. The visitor never looked back, while the Ikon Allah Boys, knowing that only a win would move them up the ladder were seen smoking like wounded lions in search of an early lead.

Early opportunity fell to Jonas Emmanuel, but the forward failed to settle down as he shot harmlessly.

Mid way through the first half, the hosts continued to torment, as Nasarawa United defencive dou of Victor Collins and Ugochukwu Gabriel were consistently called to action, Ahmadu Liman collected a pass and dashed forward before powering a shot that stretched Nasarawa United goalkeeper Ameh Godwin and almost immediatly, Jonas Emmanuel was presented with another chance but his long ranger sailed over the bar.

As half time break approaches, the hosts won a free kick near the box, but Munir Idris’ kick was punched to corner by goalkeeper Ameh.

The center referee sounded his whistle for the interval with no goals to separate the two teams.

Second half resumed and Coach Abubakar Bala had other ideas, he withdrew Lukman Mohammed for Adeyinka Najeem, a defender in a tactical change that saw Jimmy Abdul switched from right back position to midfield.

The substitution proved decisive as Jimmy Abdul easily settled in, he alongside Musa Wakili and Ahmadu Liman took over the control in midfield with some scintillating passes, sandwiched by mesmerizing moves, as they continued to make several incursions into the opponents end.

53rd minute on the clock, the hosts won another free kick but no one to connect Adeyinka Najeem’s free kick as the ball danced out, for a goal kick.

There was apprehension all over the stadium as the clock clicks with no goals to show for the hosts.

Pressure continued to mount on the visitors and the deadlock was broken, with 71st minute on the clock, as Jimmy Abdul delivered a thunderbolt from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Godwin Ameh in awe.

There was specialty in Jimmy Abdul’s goal, his second in two games as he continued to improve by game.

Tornadoes held on to the final blast of the whistle.

It was another home win for the Ikon Allah Boys who have remained unbeaten in 8 may he’s since they relocated to Kaduna from Abuja