By Gbenga Adeleye

Niger Tornadoes defender, Sunday Akinmoladun says snubbing top Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) teams to play in the Nigeria National League (NNL) was a tough decision.

Niger Tornadoes are currently campaigning in the NNL and are top of group A 2 log with 7 points from three games played.

Akimoladun in a chat with FreekickNaija revealed that playing in the second tier of Nigeria Football is very tough and called it ” rugged ” league.

The former Kwara United man said he made the sacrifice to play in the NNL because of the influence of head coach Abubakar Bala who believed and exposed him to top flight football when Tornadoes was still playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

“Bala was the first coach that brought me to Nigeria top flight football. “He believe in my abilities that was why I snubbed top NPFL clubs who wanted my services at the beginning of the league to team up with Tornadoes and help Bala achieve his aim of gaining promotion back to the top flight league.

“The pressure was much on me from NPFL top clubs but I had to make this sacrifice for Bala because of the ambition and target he has for Tornadoes.

“Bala has really contributed a lot to improving and developing my game and I enjoyed working under him. He is a big influence on my career.

“You know the Nigeria Professional Football League transfer window is open now and I still get lot of calls by these clubs but it a decision I made to remain with Tornadoes till the end of the season and to help the team secure a promotion spot back to the NPFL,” said the former Kaduna United player.