Ogbonnaya Hopeful Niger Tornadoes Can Survive Relegation

Reuben Ogbonnaya has made a return to competitive football after an injury layoff for a few months and the defender knows his struggling club Niger Tornadoes will have to up the ante if they want to remain in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The former Kano Pillars man believes that on the strength of their recent performance over two legs against Lobi Stars Tornadoes still have “a very good chance of escaping relegation” despite being written off by pundits.

Niger Tornadoes have won just one game in 12 and Ogbonnaya upon his return has played a key role in helping the club secure two points against highly-rated Lobi Stars over two legs.

“The season is not over just yet,” began Ogbonnaya while speaking to npfl.ng.

“I think it is unfair to write us off when the season is not over yet. The results against Lobi (home and away) have given us some kind of confidence that in this sport anything can be achieved. So I am very hopeful that we can save Tornadoes from going, and we must have to improve in our attitudes on the pitch and stay disciplined to win matches.”

The former El-Kanemi Warriors defender who has returned to play at right-back and centre-back in his team’s last two matches is looking forward to their next match against Rangers this Sunday.

He acknowledged that the Flying Antelopes come into the tie with a huge pedigree but is confident that they can pull off a win to ease their relegation worries.

“Truth is we know we have to start winning matches if we want to improve our position on the table and avoid relegation. We must start well against Rangers because they are a very strong side and I am confident we can win and begin our fight to save this club from getting relegated,” said the Niger Tornadoes defender.

Ogbonnaya is available for selection when Niger Tornadoes play hosts to Rangers in a Matchday 13 fixture on Sunday.

SOURCE: www.npfl.ng