The Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes and former coach of El-Kanemi Warriors, Hamza Abdul’azeez Abara, has said the latest relegation of the Warriors of Borno was caused by internal wrangling. In this interview with Trust Sports, the former Enyimba and Plateau United Chief Coach spoke on how he is preparing his new team for the 2023/2024 NPFL season and what the teeming fans of the ‘Ikon Allah’ boys should expect from them.
How disappointed were you after you failed to rescue El-Kanemi Warriors from relegation?
Of course, there was the feeling of disappointment that someone has when he goes on a rescue mission and fails to achieve his aim. And as you are aware, our job is about results. Once there is no result, you are considered a failure. Most times, people don’t even look at the hard work you have put in. So, I am still not happy that El-kanemi Warriors were relegated despite the hard work I put in to rescue them.
In concrete terms, what was responsible for the failure to survive the relegation?
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There was serious power tussle in the team. The people in the club didn’t cooperate with one another. I don’t know how to put it for you to understand. But there was internal wrangling that didn’t allow for concentration. Everybody was scheming against the other person so it was difficult to get results. You know sometimes people work for others to fail so they can take over. In fact, some of the fans even worked against the club. They wanted a new management board so it was a chaotic scene. By the time I got to the club, so much damage had been done.
Now you are back to Niger Tornadoes. What are you promising the teeming fans of the club?
Well, I am not here to make so many promises. I am not promising that we are going to win the league title or do something extraordinary. However, we are here to build a formidable team that will compete strongly in the NPFL. We are going to develop Nigerlite players. We have a bunch of talents that need to be encouraged. So, why we bring in players from outside to beef up the team, we would lay more emphasis on our indigenous talents.
Are you indirectly shutting the door in the face of non-indigenous players?
Not at all. It is not what I meant. I only laid emphasis on the development of indigenous players. We can’t shut the door against players from other states. Even as we speak, 70% of our players are not from Niger State. But we are going to pay more attention to the development of our budding talents. You may find it hard to develop a player who is already an adult but it’s quite easy to develop a young player. So, we are looking at the young ones in our state to showcase in the NPFL.
Do you mean you are building a completely new team?
Not really, but when I arrived, I met mostly average players on the ground so we are trying to build a new team. We don’t have more than 10 of the old players in the present squad. We found most of the old players to be below average so they were asked to go.
Considering that you are rebuilding, what is your target in the 2024 season?
The target is for us to develop players and maintain our place in the NPFL. We just want to finish at least in the middle of the table. We are not eager to finish among the top three. This is not to say we are not interested in any of the continental tickets. If the league starts and we find ourselves in a position to fight for continental ticket, we shall do so. But we need the support of every Nigerlite.
Are you under any form of pressure to deliver?
Honestly, I am not under any serious pressure. I can say the only pressure I am facing is the one faced by all coaches at this period. It has to do with recruitment of players. Almost everybody wants his ward to play for Niger Tornadoes. There is pressure from players themselves and even politicians but I am used to it. I always try to be as professional as possible. I believe in providing a level playing field for everyone.
It is said your state government is not interested in sponsoring Niger Tornadoes. How true is this?
This is not true. As I am speaking, we are on our way to Kano State for the Peace and Unity Cup. It is a pre-season tournament that is going to feature some of the biggest clubs in the NPFL. This is the third time we are going out for pre-season. You can see the hand of the government in all these. Without the support of the government, the management can’t do anything. The support from the government is encouraging.
How disappointed are you with the latest postponement of the kickoff of the NPFL?
Let me speak for myself, I am happy about the postponement. I don’t know how other people feel but this is my position. I am happy because it will give us more time to prepare for the season. I told you before that we are right now on our way to Kano for a pre-season tournament.
Are you not worried that the NPFL may eventually settle for another abridged season?
I don’t think that should be my concern. It is a decision the club owners will have to make. But I don’t think they will agree to play an abridged league again. You and I know that the disadvantages of the abridged league are more than the advantages. A good team can easily go on relegation when the league is abridged.
How satisfied are you with the organisation of the league under the IMC and now NPFL board?
They are trying but there is always room for improvement. Since the days of the IMC, they have been trying to bring stability to the domestic league which is a welcome development. There is the need for more money to be invested into the league for clubs to enjoy more incentives. And there should be adherence to proposed kickoff dates. It helps the clubs in their preparations.
What is your assessment of officiating in the league?
I don’t like to talk about referees because they are also human beings. They are bound to make mistakes. What I speak against is deliberate mistakes. They should always officiate according to their conscience. If you err deliberately, your conscience will judge you. If you cheat someone, your conscience will judge you. I don’t think we should demand perfection from the referees.
How are you preparing to play home away from home again?
It is not going to be easy but we will give our best. I am also hoping that our new government will do something about our stadium. I heard something like that. While we are doing our part, the government too should do its own. There are so many challenges when you play your home matches away from home. For so many years now, we have been playing in Kaduna and that has affected us negatively. Kaduna has become our second home but there is no place like home.
