Photo Credit: Niger Tornadoes/X
Niger Tornadoes began their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nasarawa United at the Kwara Sports Complex on Wednesday evening, Soccernet.ng reports.
The decisive moment came in the 24th minute when Terdoo Shimagande, making his debut after joining from relegated Heartland in July, volleyed home a fine effort to give the Ikon Allah Boys the lead.
Interestingly, Shimagande’s only goal last season was also against Tornadoes, but this time he struck in their colours to secure maximum points.
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The hosts started brightly, creating chances through Dalhatu and Godstime, whose early runs unsettled the visitors’ backline.
Their persistence paid off when Abba Khalid’s intelligent build-up found Shimagande inside the box, and the striker made no mistake with a well-timed finish past Nchekwube.
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Nasarawa United pushed for a response, particularly after the restart, with their midfield pairing threatening to break Tornadoes’ shape.
But solid defensive work from Sunday Akinmoladun and his backline ensured the lead remained intact.
Tornadoes goalkeeper Nchekwube required medical attention midway through the first half but recovered to continue, while Joseph Godstime was forced off injured in the 64th minute.
Substitute Kufre Ebong replaced Shimagande late on as coach Majin Mohammed sought to preserve the advantage.
The visitors mounted heavy pressure in the final minutes, but Tornadoes stood firm to claim their first win of the new season.
The result places Tornadoes among just six clubs to begin the campaign with victory, alongside El-Kanemi Warriors, Abia Warriors, Bayelsa United, Wikki Tourists, and Warri Wolves.
Coach Mohammed will be encouraged by his team’s resilience, while debutant Shimagande has already endeared himself to the Tornadoes faithful with a match-winning display.
It was a reminder that Tornadoes, who narrowly survived relegation last season, could prove stubborn opponents this term.
Final score: Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Nasarawa United.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.