MFM FC squad

Lagos-based club MFM FC have put behind them their 0-1 loss Heartland FC of Owerri as they prepare for a midweek encounter with Kano Pillars.

The loss to Heartland was the first time since the League started that the Olukoya Boys would fail to meet their target of staying at the top of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) after the Match Day 7 fixtures on Sunday.

Prior to the weekend matches, MFM topped the league’s chart with 13 points after Match Day 6 having taken over from Rangers International FC of Enugu.

MFM FC lost 0-1 against a more experienced Heartland FC of Owerri at the Dan Ayiam Stadium, Owerri, making it its second loss in the season.

The loss also saw the new Heartland Coach, Alphonsus Dike, winning two consecutive matches.

The Nazi Millionaires as Heartland are fondly called by their fans, scored the lone goal through Omoniwari Fortune in the 36th minute to secure the maximum points.

Reacting to the loss, the Media Officer of MFM, Olawale Quadri, said the team had put the loss behind them, adding that it was a good match from the young Pastor Daniel Olukoya boys.

“We had a good match though we lost, but that was expected because it may be hard to defeat such an established team at home.

“We tried well not to concede a lot of goals and it came to pass as they could only score a goal in which we had our own chances too but we are unable to make use of them.

“We have another big match ahead which is our mid-week game against Kano Pillars in Lagos; we are looking forward to that,’’ he said.

In all, MFM has lost two matches, drew one and won four to remain in the second position on the league’s log, with Rangers topping the table again with 14 points.

However, the second Lagos-based club, Ikorodu United, lost their second home match to Giwa FC of Jos 1-2 in an unconvincing display at the Onikan Waterfront in Lagos.

NAN reports that Ikorodu United’s game against Giwa FC recorded a low turnout of spectators as against the derby against MFM that
recorded huge turnout of fans at Onikan Stadium.

Ikorodu United, also a debutant, has so far been struggling in the top flight league and is currently 17th on the league table having won only a home game against Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

The Oga Boys as the team is called, started the league with a home draw 1-1 against Abia Warriors, before defeating Lobi Stars 1-0 in a home win.

It lost to Enyimba by a lone goal and afterwards played a goalless draw with MFM in a derby at Onikan Stadium before losing to
Ifeanyi Ubah 4-1.

However, to salvage their precarious situation in the league, Ikorodu United’s management have announced the appointment of a new coaching crew led by Sam Okpodu who takes over from Sam Ogbeide.

The match played on Sunday against bottom-placed Giwa gifted the away side their first away victory since the start to the league.

It was the Gbenga Ogunbote side that struck first through David Sunday in the 5th minute before Ikorodu drew level through Ifegwu Chukwu on the 45th minute.

The last goal came through Amos Gyang, when he latched home a good finish in the 87th minute to ensure Giwa FC emerged winners.

Commenting on the loss, the assistant coach, Cletus Imasekha, said he was disappointed with its outcome, claiming that it was an unexpected result.

“I am disappointed with the outcome today because we prepared well ahead. What I think counted against us was the inexperience on the part of the players.

“I must say that we are paying the price of being new in the premier league and how it works; we still threw away the match after coming from behind to level.

“I hope we redeem our image in our next match against Nasarawa United, we have yet to adjust to top flight football but we shall
correct the mistakes in our subsequent matches,’’ he said.