Niger Tornadoes’ Technical Adviser Abubakar Bala couldn’t hide his excitement having guided his side to the top-flight on Saturday.
Niger Tornadoes and Gombe United played out a goalless draw at the UNEC stadium – a result which confirmed the Savannah Scorpions’ return to the elite division.
“It’s a mission accomplished” an elated Abubakar Bala told pressmen after the game.
“I am very happy. It wasn’t an easy one. Almost two seasons playing the same thing, we thank God we are through finally”
Having secured the promotion ticket, the former Kwara United coach also spoke on his side’s preparations for the season ahead and what he hopes to achieve at the end of the playoffs on Sunday.
“The government are already putting plans on ground, most especially the stadium facilities so that we will be able to play out home games in Minna”
“They are putting a committee on ground to start how they are going to renovate the stadium, so that at least we will play some few matches away from home before they complete the renovation”
“Our first target has been achieved (promotion to the NPFL), our second target now is to concentrate and plan well so that we will go home with the trophy – we will be crowned the champions of the NNL”
Niger Tornadoes will face the winner of group B in the playoff final on Sunday.
By Samuel Areo in Enugu
Image credit: Sports Republic