Tornadoes’ Form Excites Skipper

Tornadoes’ skipper, Ndala Ibrahim has praised the players, coaches and the management of the club for creating the right atmosphere that has seen them strike the right chord since the start of the second round of the league.

An away draw at Wikki Tourists, followed by straight wins over Akwa United, Sunshine Stars and Kaduna United in their last four games have seen the Minna team move out of the relegation zone and Ibrahim told SuperSport.com that their Premier League fate now lies in their own hands.

“I have always said we would not be relegated and I’m happy we have finally played our way out of there,” he said.

“This was achieved as a result of the camaraderie in the team, whereby the players and coaches have put in so much effort and determination to see that we get into a safe position early enough.

“The management too has played its role very well by interacting well with us even though we are still being owed.

“I’m particularly impressed with the attitude of the players on the pitch; their drive has been unbelievable.

“Now we need to play with the same intensity in our remaining matches to move further up the log,” he pointed out.

Ibrahim believes some of the crucial changes and decisions made during the mid-season break have paid off.

“We signed four new players, but only two, Kola (Abegunde) and Kingsley Odoh have been playing regularly,” he said.

“Odoh has brought a lot of balance to the team with his strength in defensive midfield, while Kola has done well in attack.

“Then Sibi Gwar’s decision to stay has really helped; he has been a massive contributor to our good form and is simply unstoppable.

“Our focus has changed from fighting relegation to fighting for a continental ticket, because we know we can beat the top teams in our present form.”

Tornadoes are placed 16th in the Premier League, one place above the drop zone.