NPFL: Niger Tornadoes Coach Hopes 'Ikon Allah Boys' Escape Relegation

NPFL: Niger Tornadoes Coach Hopes 'Ikon Allah Boys' Escape Relegation By Admin Niger Tornadoes coach, Bernard Ogbe is hopeful that the Ikon Allah Boys will not be relegated this season. Niger Tornadoes continued their quest for survival in the Nigeria Professional Football League when they held Bendel Insurance to a barren draw at the Uniben Sports Complex on Saturday evening, BSNSports.com.ng reports. Niger Tornadoes' goalkeeper, Aliko Mustapha made a fine early save to keep the game goalless when defender Kingsley Onovo broke quickly and played the ball in Abraham Ovwiomodiohwo foot who fired straight at the goalkeeper. Aliko Mustapha was kept awake when Kingsley Onovo fired an effort straight at him after getting away from his marker and minutes later at the other end, Moses Ugwu went even closer but blasted the ball above the bar before Imade Osarenkhoe agonizingly saw his follow-up cleared off the line as Bendel Insurance dominated. Niger Tornadoes best chance of the half came late on when Sadick Abbas headed Lee Jibrin Mustapha's cross wide who was later substituted after he complains of fatigue. Both teams started the second half brightly, Niger Tornadoes Said Mubarak bend in a cross, Ibrahim Musa's powerful right-foot shot charged down as the hosts looked for an early opener. Niger Tornadoes best chance of the half came late on when Ibrahim Musa footed shot was deflected by Efe Enabulele to safety . The host started the second half brightly and Gregory had a powerful right-foot shot charged down as the hosts looked for an early opener. Moments later midfielder Niger Tornadoes Sadick Abbas saw a shot blocked before Ibrahim Musa Evuti was thwarted by a smart save from Amas Obasogie after some excellent work from Moses Ugwu and Ayo Adetola from mid-half. But despite their best efforts, Bendel Insurance could not find the breakthrough they craved, Iorliam Gwaza and Reuben Ogbonnaya perfect connection in Niger Tornadoes defense line gave the home fans to their bite nails. Said Mubarak had a shot from the edge of the penalty area blocked before Bendel Insurance broke at the other end and Michael Enuruna left footed shot inches wide from Kingsley Onovo whipped in a cross. The ikon Allah boys grew in confidence and Sadick Abass went close but his header went just wide of the left upright. A moment later, Moses Ugwu tried his luck from distance but his ambitious rasping drive flew wide of the left post again. Bendel Insurance kept filtering and Junior Osaghae had an attempt with 11 minutes remaining but his half-volley was frustratingly off target. Michael Enaruna had a shot charged down after being tied up by Ferguson but still, there were no goals. We haven't played at our best for a few games now, but the players care. They were all watching the television downstairs waiting for other results because that's how much it means to everybody. "The time for summing the season up is going to be next Sunday. What I can say is my team battled and they ran and they challenged and they competed. They did everything that was asked of them." Niger Tornadoes will host Katsina United in Minna on Wednesday for their Nigeria Professional Football League matchday 18.