Bayelsa United produced a season-defining performance on Wednesday, thrashing Niger Tornadoes 4-1 in a Matchday 14 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Bayelsa’s experienced Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso, made two changes to the lineup that lost 1-0 to Shooting Stars over the weekend at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
Forward Emo James put the “Prosperity Boys” ahead in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Wisdom Magbisa as he took advantage of a defensive lapse to fire a powerful shot past Niger Tornadoes’ goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo.
Magbisa doubled the lead in the 22nd minute, converting a pass from Emo James after dazzling the Tornadoes defense, despite having missed a close-range chance earlier.
Bayelsa continued their dominance into the second half. Auwal Sadiq extended the lead to 3-0 in the 50th minute, ensuring Niger Tornadoes would return home empty-handed, having secured a 3-0 victory in Yenagoa last season.
Rabiu Abdullahi compounded the visitors’ woes in the 65th minute. A clever pass from Hassan Oladimeji found Magbisa, who then set up Abdullahi to slot in the fourth goal.
Though Bayelsa United looked set for a clean sheet, Niger Tornadoes reduced the deficit in the 81st minute, with captain Abba Khalid scoring. However, the Bayelsa defense, led by Gabriel Biriduba, Ogundare Arise, Issa Yusuf, and Hassan, stood firm to prevent further damage.
Bayelsa United’s next challenge will be a trip to face El-Kanemi Warriors this weekend.
In a post-match interview, Technical Adviser Ladan Bosso expressed satisfaction with the result, acknowledging that the team’s finishing had been a major issue. He assured fans that with this win, they could expect more goals as the focus now shifts to El-Kanemi.
Niger Tornadoes’ Head Coach Majin Mohammed admitted his team had underestimated Bayelsa United and cited fatigue as a contributing factor.
Cautions:
Abba Khalid (59′)
Mohammed Hussaini (67′)
Substitutes:
Emo James → Fuluwa (45′)
Wisdom Magbisa → Yahaya Ibrahim (72′)
Rabiu Abdullahi → Okardi Inikurogha (87′)
Adamu Yazid → Awual Sadiq (90+2′)
