Niger Tornadoes have surprisingly axed head coach Abubakar Bala just ten days before the start of the new Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

The surprising news was revealed after the team had its training session at the Bako Kontagora Stadium on Thursday.

The axed Abubakar Bala led his less fancied side to the 2017 AITEO Cup final before the penalty loss to eventual winners Akwa United.

He had earlier replaced Abdullahi Biffo as the club’s head coach in 2016.

A club source while speaking via futbalgalore.com revealed that the management of the Minna-based outfit had already identified a replacement.

The club source said: “I can confirm that coach Bala and the club have reached an amicable agreement to part ways.”

“The management praised him for standing by the club even when times were tough.

“A capable replacement will be announced in the coming days.” the club source further added.

Responding to the news of his dismissal through his Official Facebook Page, Abubakar Bala wrote: “Alhamdulilah! Alhamdulilah! Alhamdulilah!. I have just been sacked from my position as the Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes. I’m indeed grateful to you for the opportunity, blessings and successes.”

Niger Tornadoes will start the new league season at home to newly promoted team Kwara United at the Bako Kontagora Stadium on January 14, 2018.