Coach Abubakar Bala, the Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes FC, Minna, has appealed to the Niger government to provide more funds to enable the club acquire quality players currently on loan from other clubs.

“We need to acquire these players and make them our property; it is the best way to make them put in their best,” Bala stated in Minna, on Tuesday.

He said that the measure would ensure optimum output by all, in the ongoing 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

“So far, the state government has done well. But one area it must look at is the need for us to clear our players in order to own them.

“If the players are cleared, they will not be moving from club to club on trials in search of greener pastures.

“They will be our property and concentrate on one club and give value for the resources spent on them,’’ he said.

He regretted that 90 per cent of the club’s players were on loan, and declared that the situation was not good for stability and growth.

“Immediately after our Sunday match against Enugu Rangers, for instance, one of our best players traveled for trials abroad.

“If he was our permanent player, he will not depart so casually,” he said.,’’

The coach also called on the government to redouble efforts toward completing work on the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna, to enhance performances.

“Playing our home games away from our home stadium is affecting our performances and chances of winning some of our games; we cannot rule out home advantage.

“Too much money is spent on hosting our matches in Lokoja, our temporary home. Aside the expenditure, this is very stressful,’’ he said.

He said that the team had a target to surpass its 11th position in the 2015/2016 campaign.

“In the 2016/2017 NPFL season, we want to be among the first 10 on the table by the time league is concluded,’’ he said.

He said that the management and technical crew had done a lot to put the players together.

“We have put in much and expect lots of positive results,’’ he said.

Bala explained that 70 per cent of the players were new and needed time to play together in order to blend.

“When they understand themselves, the results will be there for all to see,” he said.

Malam Mamman Musa, the Commissioner for Youth Affairs and Sports Development, recently advised the coach to resign, if the team continued to lose matches.

The club had since gone on to beat Wikki Tourists FC 2-0, and secured a 1-1 away draw against defending champions, Rangers International FC in Enugu.

Musa has, however, assured the technical crew that the ongoing rehabilitation work at the stadium would be completed before the commencement of the second stanza of the league.