Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has charged players of the state’s team, Niger Tornadoes Football Club, to capitalize on the defeat in the finals of AITEO Cup to be characterised by constructiveness and influence for the better as they prepare to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Governor in a statement on Tuesday signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel Berje, described the players as gallant losers who gave everything to win the most prestigious trophy in the country, but lost out in the penalty shootout.
According to Bello: “I congratulate you all for a job well-done; many did not think you will excel in the tournament. You defied all odds and made it through to the finals and lost gallantly.
“See yourselves as true Champions and we believe you can make it in the continental when you represent Nigeria in the Confederation Cup; be good ambassadors of the state, go and conquer Africa.”
Bello said the team has shown that they are hungry for success having reached the AITEO finals twice in three years, losing to Akwa United in 2017 on penalty shootout 2-3 and this recent one, explaining that it was a clear demonstration of the players’ desire to become champions.
He urged them to see their 3-4 loss on penalty as the turning point so as it will propel them to win the Confederation Cup.
Furthermore, the Governor assured the team of all necessary support that will ensure them to give their optimum best when they commence the continental games as well as return to the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Niger Tornadoes will open her 2019 Confederation Cup campaign against Santoba of Conakry, Guinea at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna next weekend and in a fortnight travel to Conakry for the second leg.
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