By Adeyinka Akintunde, Lagos on August 1, 2016

Plateau United Head Coach Zakary Baraje could not hide his joy on Sunday evening after his team claimed a rare away victory over hosts Mountain of Fire and Miracles Football Club (MFM) in Lagos to get out of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) relegation zone.

Speaking with Daily Sports after the victory at Agege Stadium, the veteran tactician said he felt “great”. “If we could play MFM and win, it means all teams coming to play against us should fall, as we aim to win all our remaining matches,” he said.

Still on the quality of MFM FC, Baraje said: “This team is a unique team; if you don’t respect them, they will deal with you.”

Scorer of the all-important fourth-minute solitary goal, Kabiru Umar, said: “I have been expecting such. I scored the winning goal because I had been expecting such. I knew we would score, and win, even before today.”

Coach of MFM FC Fidelis Ilechukwu however expressed disappointment at the loss. He said: “I think we got it wrong from the beginning. I am disappointed at the team performance. We had a lot of chances but failed to score. However, we will keep on working and pushing hard, we won’t lose hope. We cannot get angry and we cannot fight ourselves now, as this would cause distractions. We will only encourage the boys, telling team to keep on, as they can do it.”

Ilechukwu expressed worry at the standing of MFM FC on the log. He said: “We didn’t expect this loss, but that is football. We just have to gather ourselves together and bounce back. We are in a tight corner now, but we have to push forward.”

Elsewhere, league leaders Wikki Tourist fell 0-3 to Akwa United in Uyo, thus losing the top spot of the NPFL to Enugu Rangers. Hassan Babangida scored a brace for Akwa United, before Friday Ubong completed the rout.

Enyimba drew 1-1 against Enugu Rangers in Port Harcourt. Stephen Chukwede scored a volley to give the defending champions the lead, before Godwin Aguda equalised for Rangers in first half stoppage time.

The western battle in Ibadan between Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Sunshine Stars of Akure ended 2-1 in favour of the homers. Adetunji Sunday scored a brace, both from the penalty spot, after Meshack Chukwubuikem had given Sunshine Stars the lead on 23 minutes.

The current NPFL table sees Enugu Rangers on top with 48 points after 28 games, Wikki Tourist second with 47 points after 28 games, and Rivers United in third place with 44 points after 26 matches.

In the drop zone, Ikorodu United is in 19th place with 18 points after 25 matches, Heartland FC in 18th place with 30 points after 27 matches while Warri Wolves have dropped to 17th position with 34 points after 28 matches.

NPFL MATCH DAY 29 RESULTS

Shooting Stars 2-1 Sunshine Stars

Ifeanyi Ubah 2-1 Kano Pillars

MFM FC 0-1 Plateau United

Lobi Stars 3-0 Warri Wolves

Akwa United 3-0 Wikki Tourist

Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Abia Warriors

Enyimba 1-1 Enugu Rangers

Nasarawa United 3-0 El-Kanemi

•Additional report from League Management Company. Photo shows Coach Zakary Baraje.

Source News Express

Posted August 1, 2016

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