Niger Tornadoes produced a commanding display to defeat El Kanemi Warriors 3–0 in their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 17 encounter in Minna.
Akintunde Azeez opened the scoring early from the penalty spot before substitute Rickson Mendos struck twice late on to seal a comfortable home win for the Ikon Allah Boys.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance and went ahead in the fifth minute. Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai was fouled inside the box and Azeez stepped up to calmly convert the resulting penalty.
El Kanemi responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser and enjoyed a decent spell of possession. However, Niger Tornadoes remained dangerous on the counter and created several chances to extend their lead, though they went into the break with a narrow advantage.
The visitors began the second half with renewed urgency, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to turn the tide. Despite the increased tempo, they found it difficult to break down a well organised Tornadoes defence.
Coach Majin Mohammed then made key tactical changes, bringing on Ahmed Family and Rickson Mendos. The substitutions shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the hosts.
In the 79th minute, Ahmadu Liman delivered a precise free kick which Mendos met with a powerful header to make it 2–0. Four minutes later, the forward completed his brace, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the area before firing home to cap a dominant performance.
Speaking after the match, Majin Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the result, admitting his side faced challenges at certain moments but praising the impact of his second half substitutions.
Niger Tornadoes will next travel to Ibadan to face Shooting Stars Sports Club, while El Kanemi Warriors return home to take on Enyimba.
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