By Mohammed Alhassan

Niger Tornadoes suffered their second defeat on the road in the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season in a matchday 5 encounter against hosts Abia Warriors who were equally in search of victory after a back-to-back league defeats.

Bello Lukman’s solitary effort just at the death in the first half was all Coach Erasmus Onus’ team needed to recover from their previous home loss to Lobi Stars.

The two teams started the match on the front foot as they embarked on an attacking play in the opening stages of the game with each team earning a corner kick in the opening five minutes of play.

It was a 50/50 chance for both teams until Bello Lukman outmaneuver Tornadoes defence to brilliantly slot home from a close range to give his team the cushion.

Second half yielded no goals even as Tornadoes switched tactics immediately after the restart with the introductions of Moses Ugwu and Babatude Solomon.

The defeat means Tornadoes swapped places from third to fourth on the NPFL log.

Niger Tornadoes will be home for the visit if Lobi Stars in Kaduna on Sunday as both teams clash in matchday 6.