Niger Tornadoes Threaten NPFL Withdrawal
Last update: February 8, 2026
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Niger Tornadoes may withdraw from NPFL after home stadium ban...
Niger Tornadoes FC have threatened to withdraw from the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after the league declared their home ground, Bako Kantagora Stadium in Minna, unfit to host top-flight matches.
The NPFL’s decision, communicated earlier this year, has drawn strong criticism from Niger State officials, who described it as unfair, politically motivated, and unjust.
Addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Minna, the Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, Danjuma Masu, expressed deep displeasure with the ruling.
He accused the league of targeting the club for “personal and selfish” reasons.
“Not that the stadium is bad,” Masu said.
“The issue raised is about camera angles, and that can be fixed within one week. Playing politics with sports is unacceptable and should be discouraged.”
CBI News reports that Masu also defended the Minna stadium, insisting it meets acceptable standards and “compares favourably with many approved venues across the country.”
He noted that the facility is superior to at least ten other stadiums currently hosting NPFL matches and questioned why only Tornadoes’ home venue was singled out.
He further warned that the ongoing uncertainty could force the club out of the league.
“Rescheduling of Tornadoes’ matches to other states is politically motivated, personal and driven by selfish interests,” Masu said.
“The state may withdraw the club from the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), if the situation does not improve.”
The NPFL, in a letter dated January 30, 2026 and signed by Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, stated that the Bako Kantagora Stadium failed to meet facility requirements under the league’s new broadcast and television rights agreements.
Higher technical and infrastructural standards are now required at all NPFL venues.
The letter directed Niger Tornadoes to relocate their remaining home fixtures, offering Rasheed Yekini Main Bowl in Ilorin or Jos Zaria Road Stadium as alternatives.
The league warned that failure to communicate a choice would result in one of the venues being assigned automatically.
Despite the ban, Tornadoes were allowed to host their Matchday 24 fixture, a 2‑2 draw against Bendel Insurance, at Kantagora due to the short notice.
Going forward, the club is expected to use the newly renovated Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa until Kantagora meets NPFL standards.
Following their away trip to face Ikorodu City in Lagos, Niger Tornadoes are scheduled to host Rivers United, Warri Wolves, and Kano Pillars, all away from Minna.
