Tornadoes boss pleads for understanding

Tornadoes boss pleads for understanding

By Vincent Akinbami

The vice chairman of Niger Tornadoes, Mallam Usman Garba has pleaded with Minna fans, assuring them that the team will not relegate, www.sportsunlimited.ng reports.

Speaking in a phone conversation, he said his team has improved in the second round judging by the results it has churned out.

Garba said with some away matches the team has recorded, he believes the team will escape relegation.

He added that the league has improved, especially in the area of officiating.

"With the way my boys are playing, especially against 3SC in our week 27 match, which as taken us away from relegation, such performance in upcoming matches will see us escape the drop.

"If we continue to have good officiating, we will be home and dry. I am optimistic that we will escape relegation," he said.

On the support of the state government, the vice chairman said it has been massive.

"How can you explain playing three matches in a week and also playing home match away from home. If not the support of the government, we won't be here, if it a private team, your pocket will tell."

On what he expects from the NPFL next season, he said the NPFL should get sponsors to raise more funds so that the clubs can get more revenue, funds from sponsorship and TV right will help the clubs.

He added that the club makes little or nothing from gate takings because few people come to the stadium to pay gate takings, especially for Tornadoes that is playing away from home.

He also said the officiating still has room for improvement. "There are referees doing very well while some are still left behind. Although the NPFL still score a pass mark as far as this season is concerned on the standard of officiating but there is still room for improvement.
"We have league leaders dropping points at home and also other contenders for the title dropping points at home. For us too, we have picked points away when we played well. It shows that officiating has gotten better, like I said, there is still room for improvement."