Niger Tornadoes technical adviser Majin Mohammed expressed frustration after his team’s 2-0 loss to Kwara United in a Nigeria Premier Football League clash.
Bright Babatunde opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute, giving Kwara United an early advantage against Tornadoes at Ilorin Stadium.
Eight minutes before halftime, Abba Khalid’s own goal doubled Kwara United’s lead, further complicating Tornadoes’ strategy and leaving Mohammed visibly disappointed after the first half.
Mohammed admitted that his team did not perform up to standard, highlighting injuries and tactical errors that undermined their chance of mounting a comeback.
“If there is anything called a bad day in football, I think Tornadoes had one today,” Mohammed said, reflecting on the team’s struggles in Ilorin.
The technical adviser noted that Tornadoes suffered two injuries in the first half, which disrupted their rhythm and prevented them from matching Kwara United’s intensity.
Kwara United, he added, “showed class. They were well prepared, and their recent performances clearly boosted their confidence against us at Ilorin.”
Mohammed emphasized that a team’s position on the league table does not always predict match outcomes, as Kwara United proved against higher-ranked Tornadoes.
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Despite the loss, Mohammed remains committed to addressing weaknesses and believes the team can bounce back in upcoming Nigeria Premier Football League fixtures.
He stressed that preparation and mental focus are critical for Tornadoes, especially against teams like Kwara United, who capitalize on opponents’ mistakes efficiently.
Tornadoes’ next challenge comes this weekend as they host El-Kanemi Warriors at Bako Kotangora Stadium, a game Mohammed insists they cannot take lightly.
The manager has promised fans a stronger performance, signaling tactical adjustments to improve defense and attacking transitions following the Kwara United defeat.
Mohammed was particularly concerned about defensive lapses that allowed Kwara United to dominate key moments in the first half, including the own goal by Abba Khalid.
He admitted that the injuries suffered during the match required immediate attention, and stressed that player fitness would be a priority in training sessions this week.
“Our focus now is recovery and analyzing video footage to prevent similar mistakes against El-Kanemi Warriors this weekend,” Mohammed added to the club’s media team.
The 2-0 defeat also highlighted Tornadoes’ need for better squad rotation, as the intensity of the league is demanding and injuries can derail crucial matches.
Mohammed praised Kwara United’s tactical discipline, noting that their midfield control and quick transitions exposed Tornadoes’ vulnerabilities repeatedly in Ilorin.
Fans expressed disappointment on social media, but many remain hopeful that Mohammed’s experience and guidance can steer Tornadoes back to winning ways quickly.
Mohammed also acknowledged the role of luck in football, noting that the own goal by Abba Khalid was unfortunate but part of the unpredictable nature of the sport.
He insisted that lessons from this match would be valuable for Tornadoes, emphasizing resilience, teamwork, and mental strength as essential qualities for the rest of the season.
The technical adviser confirmed that training sessions this week would focus on defensive coordination, injury prevention, and strategies to handle high-pressure situations against teams like Kwara United.
Mohammed highlighted that Tornadoes must remain focused on every game, regardless of their opponents’ league position, to avoid surprises and ensure consistent performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
He also revealed plans to assess the fitness of injured players before the next match, signaling careful preparation to maintain squad balance and performance levels.
Tornadoes’ leadership under Mohammed continues to aim for stability, believing that strong organizational structure and disciplined training can turn the team’s form around quickly.
Mohammed’s transparency after the game reflects his commitment to accountability and learning from setbacks, encouraging both players and fans to remain supportive during challenging moments.
He urged the squad to treat the loss as motivation, highlighting the importance of collective effort, focus, and maintaining a positive mindset moving forward.
The manager also indicated that Kwara United’s preparation and gameplay serve as a benchmark for Tornadoes to improve tactical awareness and adaptability in future Nigeria Premier Football League matches.
Mohammed concluded by reaffirming his dedication to the team’s development, emphasizing that perseverance, strategic planning, and player welfare will guide Tornadoes through the remainder of the season.
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