12th September, 2021
By Nicholas Obisike/Enugu
Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna emerged champions of the 2020/2021 Super 8 after defeating Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan 3-2 in the final match in Enugu.
At the match played at the Nnamdi Azkiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday, Niger Tornadoes opened scoring through Shamsudeen Asheun in the 9th minute.
Gafar Olafimihan leveled the game for 3SC from the penalty spot in the 16th minute.
Ahmedy Liman and Augustine gave Niger Tornadoes a two-goal lead in the 57th and 64th minute before Raheem Quadry reduced the score line to 3-2.
The postponed match between Remo Stars of Sagamu and Bendel Insurance of Benin City ended 2-2.
The match should have been played on Saturday but postponed because Bendel Insurance refused to file out for the match.
With the result, Remo Stars joined Niger Tornadoes, 3SC and Gombe United in gaining promotion to the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Meanwhile, Olafimihan Gafal of 3SC won the highest goal scorer of the season award with 16 goals and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
The Best Goalkeeper of the season award went to Charles Tembe of 3SC, and coach of the season went to Mohammed Bala.
Giant Brilla FC of Enugu, who survived the season by the whiskers won the Best Behaved Team of the season.
Speaking after the match, 3SC’s coach Edith Agoye congratulated Niger Tornadoes for winning the Super 8 title.
Agoye noted that good teams met in the final and that he was not disappointed with the result as his team have already made it to the NPFL.
“We are going home to prepare for the premier league so that we will do well to justify all we have put into the club,” he said.
Niger Tornadoes captain, Sunday Akinmolade, said the match was just an exhibition game since the two teams had qualified.
Josiah Oche, who spoke on behalf of his captain, said that the players would justify their achievement in the NNL by doing well in the NPFL next season.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)