Bala: Rangers draw is big boost to Tornadoes

Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes, Abubakar Bala has said his side’s 1-1 draw with defending champions Enugu Rangers yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium is a big tonic that will spur his team to better performances in the ongoing NPFL season.

Rangers took the lead in the 40th minute through Godwin Aguda but Tornadoes on fire striker, Chidebere Ajoku levelled scores before the break to ensure his side earned their first point on the road.

Speaking to Daily Trust, Coach Bala expressed satisfaction with the performance of his wards and the result of the match.

He said by their sterling performance against such a star studded team, Tornadoes deserved the point they got from the highly entertaining match.

Bala said the draw would go a long way in bringing the much needed confidence saying after their mishap in the opening match and the draw against ABS in their first home game, the Rangers draw will help them regain their lost confidence.

He said: “For us this is a massive result. To force the defending champions to a draw in their home is not a small achievement.

“Before this match, I said if we would manage to get something out of this match, it would be the turning point for us. I knew my boys would rise to the occasion.

“Although we lost narrowly to Rivers United, we returned home to beat Wikki and now we have held Rangers. This is no doubt a great performance against three of the best clubs in the league.”

Bala therefore said Tornadoes would build on the result against Rangers to move up the ladder before the end of the first stanza.

“We hope to keep working on our concentration level. This is the turning point. We have done it against Rangers and the self-belief is going to be greater now,” he said.