Wikki Tourists thrash Niger Tornadoes

By Taofeek Babalola

Wikki Tourists of Bauchi defeated Niger Tornadoes 3-1 on Sunday in the matchday 24 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixtures at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, Sportinglens.blogspot.com reports.  

The Giants Elephants started the day to a good start and had the first chance to score in the 10^th minute but Niger Tornadoes centre half Reuben Ogbonnaya denied Wikki with a goal-line clearance. Ogbonnaya earned his NPFL debut for the Minna-based outfit since joining the club in mid-season from Kano Pillars.

Wikki Tourists striker Chinedu Onyelonu scored the first goal for the Giants Elephants in the 28^th minute to make his season’s league goal to two. His first goal was against El Kanmei Warriors of Maiduguri.   

Victor Alegbe turned in a rebound to increase the tally in the 45^th minute after Ahmed Usman's shot was blocked. Tornadoes pull one back in the 46^th minute with a well-hit strike by Andrew Ikefe to end the first half 2-1 in favour of the home side.

Wikki Tourists nailed the coffin of the visitors in the 55^th minute after Ahmed Usman's fierce shot beats Mustapha Aliko for Wikki's third goal of the game.

The results moved Wikki Tourists to 15 position on the log with 30 points in the 23 matches played so far. The coach Bala Nikyu tutored side had won all their homes matches since the beginning of the second stanza.