Niger Tornadoes have threatened to withdraw from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following the league’s decision to ban the Bako Kantagora Stadium in Minna from hosting top-flight matches.
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The ban, which was imposed by the NPFL board, has sparked strong reactions from officials of the Niger State Sports Commission, who described the decision as unfair and unjust.
Chairman of the commission, Danjuma Masu, accused the league authorities of targeting the club through what he alleged were politically motivated actions.
Speaking in Minna while addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Masu criticised the directive compelling the club to relocate its home fixtures outside Niger State, insisting that the decision was driven by personal and selfish interests.
“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.”
Masu maintained that the Bako Kantagora Stadium compares favourably with many other venues currently approved to host NPFL matches, claiming it is better than at least ten stadiums in use across the country.
He called on the league body to immediately reverse the ban, warning that the club may be forced to pull out of the competition if the decision is not overturned.
“The rescheduling of Tornadoes’ matches to other states is politically motivated, personal and driven by selfish interests,” he said, adding that the state could withdraw the club from the ongoing NPFL season if the situation does not improve.
The Nigeria Premier Football League had earlier announced the ban, declaring the Bako Kantagora Stadium unfit under the new broadcast and television rights framework, which demands higher technical and infrastructural standards.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, Niger Tornadoes were informed that the stadium no longer meets the requirements to host league fixtures under the new broadcast agreement.
As a result, the club was directed to relocate its remaining home matches for the season and choose an alternative venue between the Rasheed Yekini Main Bowl in Ilorin and the Jos Zaria Road Stadium.
The NPFL also warned that failure to communicate a choice within the stipulated timeframe would result in a venue being assigned to the club.
Despite the directive, Niger Tornadoes were allowed to host their Matchday 24 fixture — a 2–2 draw against Bendel Insurance — at the Kantagora Stadium due to the short notice of the decision.
The relocation order is expected to take effect from subsequent home matches.
The club is now expected to play its home games at the newly renovated Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa State until the Bako Kantagora Stadium meets the conditions set by the NPFL board.
After their away fixture against Ikorodu City in Lagos, Niger Tornadoes are scheduled to host Rivers United, Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars outside Minna.
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