Barau FC forward Ahmadu Liman has declared that the team is targeting maximum points ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 11 encounter against Niger Tornadoes.
The Maliya Boys travelled to Minna determined to secure a positive result after dropping points in their previous league outing against Kwara United.
Barau FC will face Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, with Liman expressing confidence in the team’s preparation and determination to achieve its objective.
The forward, who previously played for Niger Tornadoes, said returning to Minna was a special feeling but insisted that his immediate priority was helping Barau FC secure a positive result.
“It feels good to be playing here in Minna having played for Niger Tornadoes last season,” Liman told Barau FC TV.
“We are fully prepared for this game having drawn in our last match in Kano and we are eyeing a positive result from this game.
“As the coach rightly said to us, we are here in Minna on a mission, at least to get the maximum points, having prepared for it.”
Friday’s fixture will be a special occasion for Liman, who spent four years with Niger Tornadoes before moving to Barau FC.
His previous experience with the Minna-based club could prove useful as Barau prepare for a difficult away assignment.
Liman made 84 appearances for Niger Tornadoes during his four-year spell, establishing himself as a familiar figure among the club’s supporters.
However, the forward will now be focused on helping his current team achieve its ambitions rather than his previous association with the Ikon Allah Boys.
His comments also reflect Barau FC’s determination to end their recent run of draws and return to winning ways in the league.
Barau FC head into the encounter after sharing the points with Kwara United in a 1-1 draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The result extended their run without a league victory, with the Maliya Boys recording four draws and one defeat in their previous five matches.
Despite the difficult run, Barau have remained competitive and will be hoping to turn their performances into victories as the season progresses.
Their organised approach and attacking pace could be important against a Niger Tornadoes side that has shown good form in recent weeks.
With 15 points from 10 matches before the fixture, Barau will also be looking to strengthen their position among the teams challenging near the top of the NPFL table.
Niger Tornadoes will approach the game with confidence after recording a 1-0 away victory over Abia Warriors in their previous league fixture.
Wasiu Jimoh scored the decisive goal in the 56th minute to give the Minna-based side their first away win of the season.
The result continued their positive run, having also defeated Ikorodu City 2-1 in their previous home match.
The Ikon Allah Boys will now be looking to make home advantage count against Barau FC and secure another important victory.
They also received a boost ahead of the encounter with the return of Joseph Godfrey, Erickson Mendos and Moses Obioma from injury. However, Nafiu Obalowu remains sidelined.
The encounter presents an important opportunity for both sides to improve their positions in the NPFL standings.
For Barau FC, a victory would end their recent winless run and provide a major confidence boost. For Niger Tornadoes, three points would strengthen their momentum and reward their recent improvement.
Liman’s return to Minna adds another interesting angle to the fixture, but the former Niger Tornadoes forward will be determined to help his new club leave with a positive result.
With both teams having clear objectives, the Matchday 11 contest promises to be a competitive encounter at the Bako Kontagora Stadium.
