‘Tornadoes to build on Aiteo Cup victory against Plateau Utd’

The Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes, Abubakar Bala has said his team will build on their 4-2 aggregate win over Plateau United to reach the finals of this year’s Federation Cup.

Plateau United forced Tornadoes to a 2-2 draw in Jos in the return leg of their quarter-final clash on Sunday but that was not enough to stop the ‘Ikon Allah’ boys who had won the first leg 2-0 in Lokoja.

Tornadoes have qualified for the semi-finals of the prestigious competition for the first time in 22 years and are now aiming for the title.

An elated coach Bala told Daily Trust that the victory over reigning NPFL champions will boost the morale of his team as they prepare for the semi-final match.

He said it was a hard fought win because Plateau United gave everything in their arsenal to avoid defeat in front of their fans.

Bala therefore commended the performance of his players saying they should not get carried away by the victory over Plateau United.

“We are happy to reach the semi-finals. It did not come on a platter of gold. Our opponents gave us a good fight because they wanted to avoid another defeat by all means possible.

“The win is so important to us because it will lift our morale going into the semifinal match. Now we have just a step to reach the finals and I have told my boys to remain focused.

“We still have two crucial matches to play and win before we can celebrate. So we are not going to be carried away by the win over Plateau United,” he said.