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Niger Tornadoes Football Club has threatened to withdraw from the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a directive by the league management banning the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna from hosting top-flight matches.
The Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, Danjuma Masu, issued the threat while addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Minna.
He described the ban as “unfair, unjust, and politically motivated,” accusing the league authorities of targeting the club with decisions driven by personal interests.
According to Masu, the directive forcing the club to play its home games outside the state is unacceptable, especially given that the Bako Kontagora Stadium compares favorably with many other approved venues across the country.
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He argued that the facility is in better condition than at least ten other stadiums currently hosting league matches.
The controversy stems from a letter dated January 30, 2026, signed by the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi.
The letter informed the club that their home ground no longer met the technical and infrastructural standards required under the league’s new broadcast and television rights agreements.
Specifically, the league body raised concerns about camera angles suitable for television production.
Masu dismissed these concerns as minor issues that could be resolved quickly rather than warranting a total ban. He insisted that the problem with camera angles could be fixed within one week and condemned what he termed “playing politics with sports.”
The NPFL directed Niger Tornadoes to choose an alternative venue between the Rasheed Yekini Stadium in Ilorin and the Jos Zaria Road Stadium for their remaining home fixtures.
Failure to communicate a choice would result in the league allocating a venue on the club’s behalf.
However, reports indicate the club is expected to move to the newly renovated Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa State.
Despite the ban, the club was permitted to host their Matchday 24 fixture; a 2-2 draw against Bendel Insurance at the Minna stadium due to the short notice.
The relocation order is set to take effect for subsequent home games against Rivers United, Warri Wolves, and Kano Pillars.
Masu warned that if the situation does not improve and the decision is not reversed, the state government may have no choice but to pull the club out of the competition entirely.
