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By Alhassan Mohammed

Fifteenth placed Nigeria Tornadoes are battle ready to pick all available three points against visiting Katsina United in the matchday 19 of the 2024 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL clash in Kaduna today

The last game of the NPFL24 first round pitched Ikon Allah Boys against Chanji Boys as the battle for survival heightens.

This fixture shares a lot in common as Majin Mohammed tackles Abubakar Bala Mohammed (both Nigerlites) for bragging rights. The two coaches are on a revival mission for their respective club sides.

Niger Tornadoes regained momentum since Majin Mohammed took over the reigns on an interim capacity, steering the Ikon Allah Boys to two wins, two draws and a defeat on the road in five games, as Tornadoes moved places on the log to swim out of the drop zone.

Majin Mohammed has made it clear to his players that the onus lies on them to repair their own image by churning out commendable performances to improve the club’s position on the log.

“It is your position on the log that tells how good you are as a player or as a team. It was evident that we experienced turbulent moments in the early stages of the season, but, fortunately for us, we have been able to collectively turn things around – so it’s now up to us, to not get carried away by the good run of form, but to sustain the momentum.”

“The encounter against Katsina United is a mouthwatering one, just like other big games we’ve played this season. Remember, we’ve beaten Rivers United here, defeated Kano Pillars, even Akwa United, amongst other crucial wins, so this one is not any different, if we apply the right approach and mentality.”

While Majin Mohammed had recorded two home wins and two away draws sandwiched by a single defeat at Lobi Stars, Katsina United under Bala Abubakar has won their last four home matches and recorded no point on the road, losing both clashes at Gombe against Gombe United and Doma United.

Even the players are not left out of the match ups, Mohammed Hussaini and Tasiu Lawal were formally of Katsina United while Sunday Akinmoladun left the Ikon Allah Boys during the close season to team up with the Chanji Boys, put all these together and a classic Sunday afternoon at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna is in the offing.

Previous Head To Head:
2021/2022
Katsina United 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Katsina United
2018/2019
Katsina United 3-1 Niger Tornadoes
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Katsina United

Team News

Tornadoes arrived Kaduna early on Thursday and held three training programs to prepare and sharpen up for the crucial end of the first round tie. Attacking sensation Bashir Usman has rejoined the team and engaged in all the team’s training programs after missing the away game against Sunshine Stars. Chidiebere Ernest and Adewale Lasisi have shook off their injury worries but failed to make the traveling party.