By Alhassan Kutigi

Niger Tornadoes followers and management are in cloud nine currently as their club has began the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League in blistering form.

Tornadoes on Thursday recorded their second triumph in the new league after a hard-fought 1-0 win over newcomers, Doma United in Ahmed Bello Stadium, Kaduna, the team’s adopted home.

The Ikon Allah Boys were made to sweat before grinding out a hard fought result over newly promoted side Doma United FC courtesy of Munir Idris’ 8th minute goal which saw them top Group B of the abridged league

The game started on a slow tempo as the two teams approached the opening exchanges with caution.

Niger Tornadoes however raised the tempo of their game as they began to mount pressure on the visitors who pushed backwards with the likes of Jonas Emmanuel, Waheed Adebayo and Munir Idris penetrating the United defense

The first and only goal of the match arrived when Jonas Emmanuel under a 50/50 challenge, dangerously laid a pass to Munir Idris who turned and powered a long range shot that Kingdom Osayi in goal for Doma United had no answers for to.

Few minutes after the goal, Munir Idris was yet presented with another glorious chance and cleverly picked out the goalkeeper with a thunderbolt that went just high off the goal post.

Midway into the first half, David Okoromi found himself in-between Doma United defenders and races with the ball at his feet, he came face to face with the goalkeeper and powered a shot, but Kingdom Osayi managed to get a hand on the ball and parried it to safety.

As the game weared on, Tornadoes suffered injury set backs as Jonas Emmanuel and Dennis Mse could not complete the half, forcing the Technical Crew to make early changes as Ifeanyi Okoye and Peter Momoh were subbed on before the break.

Second half proceedings resumed and Doma United looked rejuvenated as they took the game to their hosts from the blast of the whistle as they gained momentum and forced the hosts backline to defend with their lives. The half, however produced no goals as Tornadoes made it two wins on the bounce with another clean sheet.

Tornadoes will be on the road this weekend as they travel to Port Harcourt to keep a date with champions, Rivers United on Sunday. The match will be played at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.