Abdulaziz Dalhatu delivers a masterclass with a treble, as Tornadoes thrash Plateau United 4–0 at home in NPFL Matchday 9.
It was a night to remember for fans of Niger Tornadoes as the Ikon Allah Boys produced one of the most dominant performances of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season so far. Sparked by an inspired hat-trick from Abdulaziz Dalhatu, the Minna-based side dismantled Plateau United 4–0 at the Bako Kontagora Stadium on Matchday 9.
Dalhatu was the undisputed star of the show, scoring in the 13th, 52nd and 69th minutes; each goal assisted by the sensational Abdulrasheed Dabai. The emphatic result not only boosts Tornadoes’ confidence but sends a clear warning to the rest of the league.
How the Match Unfolded
From the opening whistle, Niger Tornadoes looked sharper, hungrier, and more organised. Their pressing paid off early, as Dalhatu latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Dabai in the 13th minute and calmly slotted home to put the hosts 1–0 up.
Despite some resistance from Plateau United, Tornadoes remained in control. Their midfield engine kept dictating play, and Plateau’s defence looked increasingly stretched as the first half wore on.
The second half saw Tornadoes shift gears. Just seven minutes after the restart, Dalhatu doubled his tally in the 52nd minute; again combining brilliantly with Dabai, whose vision and passing were on full display. By this point, Plateau United’s defence had no answers.
Dalhatu sealed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, once more with Dabai providing the assist completing a historic treble of goals and assists for the pair. A fourth goal followed later (not detailed by minute or scorer in the NPFL report), capping off an unforgettable evening in Minna.
The Decisive Moment
While Tornadoes had already looked comfortable after the opening goal, it was Dalhatu’s second in the 52nd minute that truly broke Plateau United’s spirit. It opened the floodgates and allowed the hosts to express themselves freely. From that moment on, the match was a showcase of attacking fluency and teamwork, with Dabai and Dalhatu at the heart of everything good.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Niger Tornadoes, the win is massive not just in scoreline, but in momentum. The club had struggled to find consistency earlier in the campaign, but this performance suggests they’ve turned a corner. With Dalhatu now sitting on four goals for the season, and Dabai pulling strings in midfield, Tornadoes look like a real threat at home.
For Plateau United, the result is a major setback. A four-goal loss will hurt morale and raise questions about defensive structure and away tactics. The Jos-based side will need a swift response in the next round to avoid slipping further down the table.
The Big Picture
Dalhatu’s hat-trick performance will be the talk of Matchday 9. His clinical finishing and movement were a joy to watch, while Dabai’s treble of assists should not be overlooked. This duo could prove vital for Tornadoes as the season progresses.
Next up, Tornadoes will look to build on this momentum and push further up the table. Plateau United, meanwhile, must regroup quickly and address their defensive lapses before things spiral.
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