Niger Tornadoes Threaten NPFL Withdrawal Says League ‘Playing Politics’
Niger Tornadoes FC Threatens League Withdrawal Over Stadium Ruling
NIGER STATE—Niger Tornadoes FC has threatened to withdraw from the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after league officials declared their home ground, the Bako Kantagora Stadium in Minna, unfit for top-level matches.
The decision, announced earlier this year, has been met with strong criticism from Niger State officials, who have characterized it as unfair and politically motivated.
Danjuma Masu, the Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, voiced his concerns during a meeting with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in Minna. He accused the NPFL of unfairly targeting the club for what he described as “personal and selfish” reasons.
“Not that the stadium is bad,” Masu asserted. “The issue raised is about camera angles, which can be resolved in a week. Using politics to influence sports decisions is unacceptable.”
Masu maintained that the Bako Kantagora Stadium meets acceptable standards and is comparable to many of the venues currently approved for NPFL matches. He questioned the decision to single out the Minna facility, arguing it surpasses at least ten other stadiums already in use.
He urged the league to promptly reverse its directive, warning that the uncertainty could lead to the club’s withdrawal from the competition. “Rescheduling Tornadoes’ matches to other states is politically motivated. The state may withdraw the club from the NPFL if the situation does not improve,” Masu stated.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, NPFL officials informed Niger Tornadoes that the Bako Kantagora Stadium no longer meets the facility requirements established in the league’s new broadcast and television rights agreements. They cited elevated technical and infrastructural standards that the Minna stadium failed to satisfy.
The league instructed the club to relocate its remaining home fixtures, advising them to select an alternate venue, either the Rasheed Yekini Main Bowl in Ilorin or the Jos Zaria Road Stadium. Failure to communicate a decision within the specified timeframe would result in one of those venues being assigned to them.
Despite the ruling, Niger Tornadoes were permitted to host their Matchday 24 game against Bendel Insurance at Bako Kantagora Stadium due to the short notice of the decision. However, the relocation order is expected to take effect immediately following this match.
The club is anticipated to move its future home games to the newly renovated Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa until the Bako Kantagora facility meets NPFL standards. Following an away match against Ikorodu City in Lagos on Sunday, Niger Tornadoes will host Rivers United, Warri Wolves, and Kano Pillars, all outside Minna.
