Pape Academy FC's maiden voyage in the Nigeria League One ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat against Niger Tornadoes Feeder at the Aliyu Ndayako Stadium in Bida in what was a baptism of fire for the debutants.

Playing in their first-ever competitive match at the national league level, Pape Academy showed moments of promise but ultimately paid the price for a lack of cutting edge in the final third against a more experienced Tornadoes Feeder side.

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams feeling each other out. Pape Academy's midfield, anchored by the industrious Abubakar Sadiq and the creative Ismail Kolo, managed to control possession in spells, but found it difficult to penetrate a well-organized Tornadoes Feeder defence.

The decisive moment came midway through the second half when Niger Tornadoes Feeder capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home the only goal of the game. Pape Academy tried to respond, with substitute Yakubu Aliyu causing problems down the left flank, but the equaliser proved elusive.

Goalkeeper Ibrahim Suleiman made a couple of sharp saves to prevent further damage, and centre-back Abdulrahman Yusuf was outstanding in marshalling the back line under sustained pressure.

Despite the defeat, Head Coach Aliyu Mohammed took positives from the performance. "It was our first game at this level and the boys showed they belong here. We need to be more clinical in front of goal, but I'm proud of the effort and the discipline we showed today. We will learn from this and come back stronger," he said after the match.

Pape Academy FC will look to bounce back in Matchday 2 when they host Bida Lion FC at the same venue.