By Obinna Unaeze
Minna – Bala Mohammed, the team doctor of Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna, says the club’s leading goal scorer Chidiebere Ajoku is fit to play on Sunday in Lokoja.
Mohammed told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Friday that Ajoku has recovered from his injury sustained midweek against Remo Stars in a league game in Sagamu.
NAN reports that Tornadoes are billed to face Enyimba International FC of Aba on Sunday in a Match Day 8 fixture in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
“Ajoku is fit to play the next match, if the coach wants to use him as the injury he sustained was a minor one.
“So, there is nothing to worry about because we have taken care of it and certified him fit to play,’’ the doctor said.
He however said the team’s medical crew had advised on his substitution against Remo Stars as a matter of precaution.
“We needed to take precaution, and we therefore advised the technical crew to substitute Ajoku considering that we have crucial encounters ahead.
“We are meeting Enyimba in week eight and league leaders Plateau United in week nine, and these are serious matches,’’ Mohammed said.
He described Ajoku as a player very useful to the team. “As such, we don’t want to risk him and get him injured in the early stage of the league.
“Therefore all necessary precaution will be employed to ensure that all our players are protected from sustaining injuries.’’
The club doctor also said the team has no player on its injury list, saying every player was in good shape.
Similarly, Abubakar Bala, the club’s coach confirmed that Ajoku was fit for the next game.
Bala said Ajoku was substituted in the second half after receiving a knock from Remo Stars’ defenders in their 1-0 win in week 7 at the Gateway International Stadium in Sagamu.
NAN reports that this was after the player had scored his fourth league goal this season to give Tornadoes the needed win over hosts Remo Stars.
Ajoku who is the highest goal scorer in Tornadoes with four goals is also the second highest goal scorer in the ongoing league.