Niger Tornadoes delivered a scintillating performance on Sunday, defeating Sunshine Stars 4-1 in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 clash at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna.

The hosts, led by Technical Adviser Majin Mohammed, started aggressively, with Ernest Onyeka playing a pivotal role in dismantling the visitors.

The action began early, with Onyeka netting the opener just three minutes into the game after being set up by Abdulrasheed Dabai. Dabai doubled the lead in the 13th minute with a well-taken strike, marking his first NPFL goal, courtesy of another link-up with Onyeka.

Moments later, Onyeka turned provider again, assisting Joseph Godstime for Tornadoes’ third goal of the day. Godstime’s calm finish marked his fifth goal of the season.

The fourth goal came in the 27th minute, following a corner kick. Ifeanyi Okechukwu found Abba Khalid, whose powerful shot beat Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Emmanuel Ofori, putting the game beyond doubt before halftime.

Second Half and Consolation Goal
Sunshine Stars showed resilience after the break, with Sodiq Ibrahim pulling one back in the 71st minute. Despite this, the game was already out of reach, as Tornadoes maintained control to seal a comfortable victory.

Tornadoes’ Technical Adviser, Majin Mohammed, praised his team’s collective effort:
“The victory was a result of collective effort from the management, coaches, and players. We needed to make some changes today, giving opportunities to other players, and they proved themselves.”

He also commended Sunshine Stars, acknowledging their quality and preparation:
“Sunshine Stars are a good side. Knowing they would come here with the same mentality that earned them a draw against Enyimba, we approached the game with all seriousness, and the result speaks for itself.”

Ernest Onyeka was named the best player of the match for his outstanding contributions, scoring once and providing two assists.

The victory solidifies Tornadoes’ position on the NPFL table as the first stanza of the season nears its conclusion.