Niger Tornadoes

Niger Tornadoes Football Club, founded in 1977, is based in Minna, Nigeria. They compete in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and play their home matches at the Bako Kontagora Stadium. The club has also used the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja as their home ground.

Brief History:

• In 2005, Niger Tornadoes finished in the lower half of the Nigerian Premier League but managed to avoid relegation by a narrow margin.
• The club has faced financial difficulties, leading to players complaining about unpaid salaries and bonuses.
• After a challenging start to the 2008–09 season (losing their first three matches), the entire management was sacked.
• In 2012, they were relegated from the Premier League due to goal difference, despite scoring 38 goals in 36 games. Sibi Gwar emerged as the league’s top scorer during that season.
• However, Niger Tornadoes bounced back and won promotion again in 2015 after clinching the Nigeria National League title.
• Coach Abdullahi Biffo played a crucial role in their promotion, guiding them to victory against Mighty Jets F.C. with two goals from star forward Joaco Seleme.

Achievements:

• Nigerian FA Cup: 1 (2000)
• National Second Division: 2 (1996, 2015)

Performance in CAF Competitions:

• CAF Cup Winners’ Cup: 1 appearance (2001, reached the quarter-finals)
• WAFU Club Championship: 1 appearance (2010, reached the quarter-finals)