By Adeyinka Akintunde, Lagos on July 18, 2016

Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) Football Club of Lagos on Sunday evening gained a 2-0 victory over Heartland of Owerri in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash at the Agege Stadium. Two goals from Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Stephen Odey sealed victory for the Olukoya Boys, who played behind closed doors and under an unfriendly weather condition.

Ifeanyi Ifeanyi first struck from a rebound after his penalty was saved by Heartland’s Ebele Obi in the 29th minute of the game. The striker, speaking to Daily Sports after the game, described his mood after the goal as “a great feeling”, adding: “Coming back from the NPFL All Stars Camp ground to score a goal here is a good thing, so I feel very good about it.”

Stephen Odey scored the second goal of the match after MFM FC won another penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Daily Sports spoke with him, and he said: “The goal meant a lot to us. We had earlier missed a penalty and I had to pick up confidence to play this penalty.”

The match saw Nelson Ogbonnaya of Heartland being sent off in 55 minutes for a second offence after upending Chukwuka Onuwa of MFM FC.

Despite the victory, the Coach of MFM FC, Fidelis Ilechukwu, described it as “a poor game, because we miss some of our players who are already down with injury. We really had to win the match; otherwise we would suffer in the league.”

The victory ensured that MFM FC stay on 9th position with 36 points after 25 NPFL matches.

On the next match against Kano Pillars in Kano, Ilechukwu said: “I have a lot of issues with our players, some being injured and some others participating in the NPFL All Stars, and when they come back, it is like they reduce their zeal, so there is little or no communication. Maybe they are saving for the All Stars Competition. Maybe I will only use the ones available for the match. But as always, I approach each match with a positive mind, and so I also expect a good game for us in Kano. ”

Heartland vice-captain and defensive midfielder, Julius Ubido, described the defeat to MFM FC as “painful”. He however assured fans of the team that Heartland will not be relegated.

“It is really painful and unfortunate that we lost the clash at MFM FC, we came out to win not to lose given our poor standing on the log and here we are conceding two unreplied goals in the match. However, something keeps telling me that despite the cloudiness around us at the moment we will not go down on relegation at the end of the on-going top-flight. Somehow we will certainly pick a win on the road to strength our strong fight to escape relegation. Heartland will not go down on relegation not on our own tenure and time that is our promise and vow to the supporters, ” he said.

Enyimba earned their first ever double against Kano Pillars after a 2-1 victory at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt. Strikes from Ifeanyi Anaemena and Uche John helped the People’s Elephants to victory despite Adamu Mohammed’s lone effort for the visitors.

In the 10th minute, Anaemena’s well-taken effort put the hosts in front, but Mohammed’s equaliser a minute later short-lived the hosts’ opening goal celebration.

In the 13th minute, Chukwude came through with Osadiaye’s brilliant pass, but he was stopped by keeper Obiazor. 

Despite several tries by the Enyimba’s attackers, the visitors kept the forwards at bay, holding on to the 1-1 draw till the half time break.

In the second half, no real chance surfaced till Rabiu Ali subdued Anaemena and smartly launched a shot which went wide in the 61st minute. 

Osadiaye came close from the edge but keeper Obiazo managed to palm away from goal for a corner eight minutes later.

In the 71st minute, Sulieman Usman fouled Enyimba’s Chukwude inside the goal area, gifting the hosts a penalty kick from the spot. 

John calmly conveted to restore Enyimba’s lead and pushed through to earn the maximum point against the former champions.

Two first half goals from Guy Kuemain in ten minutes, and Fredrick Obomate in 27 minutes got Rivers United victory over Shooting Stars of Ibadan in Port Harcourt. The match was played immediately after Enyimba’s game against Kano Pillars.

Kingsley Eduwo struck in the 80th minute to help Lobi to a 1-0 victory over Plateau United at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi. On a day the home team played below expectation Eduwo had to salvage the situation.

Lobi Stars were earlier gifted a penalty in the 40th minute when Kelechi John handled the ball inside his team’s box. Eduwo stepped up to take it, but Plateau United goalkeeper, Danladi Isa, saved the kick. The game’s best chance fell on Plateau United’s Benjamin Turba in the 63rd minute. With Lobi charging forward, a defence-splitting cross-field pass saw Turba face to face with Lobi keeper Okiemute Odah. He tried to chip the ball over the on-rushing keeper but Odah flung himself backwards mid-air and gathered the ball.

As the table stands now, after week 27, Enugu Rangers sit on top of the table with 46 points after 26 games, Wikki Tourist gain second place with 44 points after 26 games (with a +18 goal difference) and Rivers United get 44 points after 25 matches (with +9 goal difference). Enyimba is in fourth position with 40 points after 24 matches and Kano Pillars sit at fifth place with 39 points after 26 matches.

On the rear, Ikorodu United is 19th place with 17 points after 24 matches, with Heartland in 18th place with 29 points after 26 games, and Shooting Stars with 30 points after 25 matches, sitting in 17th position.

NPFL Match day 27 Results

Rivers United 2-0 Shooting Stars
Ifeanyi Ubah 1-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Lobi Stars1-0 Plateau United
Abia Warriors 1-0 Warri Wolves
Niger Tornadoes 1-1 Wikki Tourists
MFM FC 2-0 Heartland FC
Enyimba 2-1 Kano Pillars
Akwa United 2-3 Enugu Rangers
Nasarawa United 3-0 Sunshine Stars

•Photo shows current NPFL table

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 18, 2016

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