Niger Tornadoes are enjoying a campaign few predicted. Sitting fifth on the table, they are also the joint top-scoring side in the Nigeria Premier Football League alongside Enyimba FC. For a club often viewed as modest, the numbers and performances suggest something far more ambitious.
Tornadoes line up in a familiar 4-3-3 system, but their approach is anything but conservative. The attack is one of the most exciting in the league, driven by pace, energy and confidence. With the right additions in the transfer window, particularly a reliable goalscorer, this could yet turn into a genuine title push.
At the back, goalkeeper Ifeanyi Nchekwube Emmanuel has been a revelation. Formerly of Akwa United, Giant Brillars and Sporting Lagos, he has brought calm and authority between the posts, often turning half-chances into routine saves.
The defence blends youth with experience. Felix Oloye has edged the left-back battle with Idris Saidu, while U-23 right-back Khalid Abba continues to impress with maturity beyond his years. Veteran Matthew Etim remains a dependable option and is closing in on 250 NPFL appearances. At centre-back, Sunday Akinmoladun has been ever-present, forming a solid partnership with newcomer Chibueze Damian Eziefule. Ahmed Family provides useful depth and versatility, including cover in midfield.
Midfield is where Tornadoes truly shine. Sabiu Ibrahim has been outstanding and looks every inch a future European export. The defensive midfielder, developed at Mailantarki Care FC, dictates tempo and breaks play with ease. Ahead of him, Abdulazeez Dalhatu has been one of the signings of the season. The former Kogi United man has already contributed five goals and two assists, adding creativity and bite. Chigozie Ani has featured regularly, but Ahmadu Liman’s return could soon reshape the midfield. On his day, Liman brings quality and intelligence that few in the league can match.
Out wide, Clinton Jephta remains a bundle of potential on the left. His end product still needs polish, but his energy and power stretch defences. On the right, Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai is enjoying the best season of his career. The former Rarara and Sokoto United winger is direct, fearless and full of tricks. Rickson Mendos has been an excellent impact player from the bench, while Joseph Godstime is knocking hard on the door for a starting role.
Up front, the picture is less settled. Ismail Sarki and Shimagande Terdoo have shared striking duties, with Terdoo emerging as the pleasant surprise. Expectations were modest, but his performances and goals have stood out. Sarki’s record of 23 goals in roughly 110 NPFL matches is respectable, yet Tornadoes may need a more ruthless option if they are serious about the title. Azeez Akintunde and Kufre Ebong offer depth, but reinforcement appears necessary.
Dalhatu leads the scoring charts for the club with five goals, followed by Terdoo on four. Dabai, Mendos and Sarki have each added three. The goals are spread, the belief is growing, and the table does not lie.
Niger Tornadoes are no longer just a pleasant surprise. They are contenders who may yet blow this season wide open.
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