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Tag: MFM FC

  • Enyimba must fall in Agege, says MFM FC Coach

    Lagos-based MFM FC head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu on Saturday said that his team would not target anything short of victory against Enyimba International of Aba on Sunday.

    He said that anything short of that would amount to failure ahead of this weekend’s game in the Match Day 13 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Group A leaders will host seven-time NPFL champions of the top-flight at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

    According to Ilechukwu, the team will be looking forward to recording their first-ever win against the Peoples Elephant.

    Read Also: MFM FC claim away draw against Real Bamako of Mali

    “Enyimba’s game is very important to us you know, we have yet to beat them before in our home and away games.

    “It’s a game we must win to remain at the top. We know their antics, we know their strength and we know everything about Enyimba FC. I can tell you their possible line-up.

    “Our former players, Austine Oladapo, Abdulrahman Bashir, Thomas Zenke, Onuwa Chukwuka and Stanley Okorom may likely start for them, but we have prepared. So, anything less than three points is failure.

    “We have prepared for the game and we are waiting for them, he said in a statement by the club’s Media Officer, Olawale Quadri.

    In spite the visitors impressive unbeaten streak in recent matches this season; Ilechukwu believes his charges will at the end of the match put the Aba-based team to the sword.

    “I am aware that Enyimba is a technical side and also of their unbeaten run. We are number one on the log on merit and we are no push over, so come Sunday Enyimba must fall,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • I expect a new beginning — MFM Coach

    Head Coach of Lagos-based MFM FC, Fidelis Ilechukwu, says the 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season will be a fresh start for his wards.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Olukoya Boys will kick-start their 2018/2019 season against the Peoples Elephant (Enyimba) in an opening fixture of Group A of the new NPFL season.

    The Peoples Elephant will host Olukoya Boys at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday.

    Ilechukwu told NAN although his men would  be guests to the  seven-time NPFL champions, he hoped to start the season on a good note.

    Read Also:MFM drags Sahara Reporters, publisher to US court

     

    “I hope my team can make a huge statement from the opening day contest.

    “It’s going to be a fresh start for us playing against Enyimba Football Club – one of the best in the Nigerian league

    “MFM Football Club is a good side as well, although I know it’s going to be difficult because we lost a lot of our players to other clubs.

    “Last season, we lost eight players but the players we have now are young and as well new players.

    “I know it’s going to be a little bit difficult but we will do everything possible to get a good result,’’  Ilechukwu said.

    This meeting will be the sixth between the Olukoya Boys and the Aba-based side. Enyimba claimed the available three points in the last fixture last season while the remaining four ended in a draw.

    The MFM FC gaffer said he was not perturbed in spite of the of previous meetings, adding that he was looking forward to kick-start the season with a large number of newly-signed players.

  • Supporters angry as MFM FC drops points against Rivers Utd

    MFM FC supporters were visibly angry on Monday as their team failed to spark after the visiting Rivers United FC claimed a 1-1 draw at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

    It was reported that the supporters were not happy with the referee’s decision not to award what they claimed was clear cut penalties to MFM after infringements on their players in the first half.

    A cross section of the fans expressed disappointment with the officiating of the important match which they claimed that the referee contributed to MFM’s unfavourable result.

    Speaking to our reporter, a fan who gave his name as Sheriff claimed that MFM was clearly robbed during the match.

    “’This is a clear robbery in Lagos, the officiating was so poor, we don’t expect this type of officiating at all,’’ he said.

    Another, Tunbosun Agbaje, said that the fans were not happy when games were won or lost by the teams with the aid of the referees.

    “It is unfortunate when teams lose matches with the aid of referees, we are often discouraged when we see this type of match.

    “How do they want us to be coming to watch a pre-determined game. It’s not worth it and our league may not grow if these poor officiating continues,’’ he said.

    Reports confirmed that the Olukoya Boys seeking s redemption after the CAF Confederation Cup ouster needed to win the NPFL Match Day 18 fixture but eventually dropped the valuable points.

    A goal from last year’s BBC Goal of the Month recipient, Sikiru Olatunbosun in the 17th minute should have been added to in the first half but MFM were denied by Rivers United goalkeeper, Rotimi Sunday.

    Rotimi was able to rise to the call to save three goal bound efforts from Nojeem Akinyemi, in the 12th, Olatunbosun’s flick header, 15th and Udeh Zintel 35th minutes.

    The “Pride’’ of Rivers, Coach, Stanley Eguma, however, made a tactical change in the second half with the introduction of Malachi Ohawume to switch from 4:3:2 to 4:4:2 formation in the 63rd minute.

    The introduction of Malachi yielded positive result as Emeka Atuloma fired an outside box shot to the top corner of the net leaving MFM goalkeeper Folarin Abayomi helpless.

    Speaking after the match, Olatunbosun said that he was disappointed.

    “I am disappointed with the outcome of the match which I also share the sentiment that we are clearly robbed.

    “We tried our best to win the match, but in football, you win some and lose some. We will try harder next time,’’ he said.

    NAN

     

  • Rohr calls for more grass pitch stadiums for NPFL matches

    Super Eagles’ coach Gernot Rohr on Sunday in Lagos expressed his preference for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matches to be played more on grass pitch stadiums.

    Rohr spoke with the News men after the NPFL Match Day 12 fixture between Lagos-based MFM FC and Heartland FC of Owerri at Agege Stadium.

    The coach said while he was impressed with the standard of the league he believed it would be improved more if games were played on grass as against synthetic pitches.

    “I am here to see MFM FC play once again after the CAF Champions League fixture which they won. I am also here to see the other team, Heartland FC.

    “What I also noticed is that the league is being played on synthetic pitches. That is old-fashioned because the sun is not favourable playing on such turf.

    “Synthetic pitches are hot during the sun and it is not the best for the players,’’ he said.

    Rohr said he would like to see other players outside the ones he had shortlisted for the upcoming Super Eagles’ matches, so as to see their level of commitment and play.

    Read Also: NIGERIA’S WORLD CUP SQUAD: Everyone must fight for a shirt – Rohr

    “I am not here to see those players on my list, but discovering more players and to see the level of the league, which is better for me.

    “I want to see those that are doing better and to discover other teams. This is where I can watch the team play because there are no NPFL clubs playing in Abuja.

    “The level of the league is interesting and I must commend the teams for their good spirit, though none of the players are in my list,’’ he said.

    The news men reports, MFM FC had defeated Heartland FC 3-0, with goals from Stanley Okorom (8th minute), Chuka Uwaga (88th minute) and Tchato Giscard (92nd minute).

    NAN

  • CAF Champions League: MFM FC beat AS Bamako to reach 2nd round

    CAF Champions League: MFM FC beat AS Bamako to reach 2nd round

    MFM FC of Lagos on Wednesday booked their way to the second round of the CAF Champions League with a 1-0 win over AS Bamako of Mali in Lagos.

    The Olukoya boys got the needed point after securing the win and going through with a 2-1 aggregate.

    The Fidelis Ilechukwu-tutored team had played 1-1 away at Bamako giving them the needed edge for the second leg at the newly refurbished Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

    A flick header by Akuneto Chijioke after a sublime pass from the new wnderkid, 16-year-old Lawal Abayomi settled the score in the second half after a resolute defensive tactics of the Scorpions from Mali.

    Speaking after the match, Ilechukwu commended his young side, adding that he missed the services of four of his regulars who were unavailable for the match due to registration hitches.

    The regulars who were not available are Sikiru Olatunbosun, Akila Jesse, Shola Brossa and Waheed Akanni.

    Ilechukwu said that he would continue to push harder to make the team formidable for the opposition in the next round of the tournament.

    “The boys have proved themselves beyond reasonable doubt that they are up to the task. I am happy for the team playing at their capacity.

    “The team can only get better and by God’s grace we will not let our fans down and the loving government of Lagos State led by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    “I am also impressed with the leader of the team’s attitude and good command of the game, he always speaks my mind as a player.

    “The introduction of Abayomi is key to the team because he approached me with confidence and promised to give a good account of himself and he did not disappoint,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Champions league: MFM, Plateau Utd into next round

    Champions league: MFM, Plateau Utd into next round

     

    It was fruitful Wednesday as two Nigerian club sides flying the nation’s flag in the CAF Champions league booked their places to the next round after riding on the back of their hard fighting opponents.

    MFM playing in front of their vociferous fans at the Agege Township Stadium otherwise called the Temple, made a clean job their assignment grabbing an 85th minute goal against visiting Real Bamako to advance.

    The Lagos based side had triggered off their success story, when they held their opponents to a 1-1 draw away.  It was all thanks to Akuneto Chijioke who made mince meat of a perfect cross from Abayomi Lawal.

    League leaders Plateau United on the other hand earned a lone goal victory away against Editing Sport of Cameroon. Plateau United had in the first leg posted an impressive 3-0 victory over the Cameroonian side heading into the return leg with a 3-0 advantage. All they needed to do in the second leg was to play their game and finish what they have started and that was exactly what they did.

    Akwa United who are battling against Hawks of Gambia have what some have dubbed herculean task as they attempt to move forward.

    The Uyo based side had unfortunately lost 2-1 to the visitors in the first leg, thus going into the second leg walking a tight rope. Some say turning the table in Gambia will not be a tea party while others however say luck may play a role to earn the Uyo side something to cheer about.

    More to follow

  • MFM FC bus accident: We are safe and sound – Media Officer

    MFM FC bus accident: We are safe and sound – Media Officer

    The Media Officer of MFM FC, Olawale Quadri said on Sunday that the team was safe and sound after they were involved in an accident at Akungba, Ondo State.

    Reports say that the Lagos bound MFM FC players and official were returning from Jos after the Match Day 5 fixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ).

    The Olukoya Boys, however, lost to the incumbent league winners Plateau United by a lone goal courtesy of a second-minute strike by Tosin Omolyele.

    Quadri said though the bus conveying the team was badly damaged,  most of the players escaped unscathed.

    Read also: MFM FC do the double over Sunshine Stars

    “The accident was unfortunate, but we thank God that no one sustained serious injury. I have read some reports that our coach was injured, nothing of such happened.

    “We are safe and sound; we are presently in a hotel in Akure so that we can take off from there after some time so that the players can also have some rest.

    “Some of the players that sustained minor injuries are being taken care of and they will join the rest of the team; we thank God for his protection.

    “We hope to resume the journey as soon as possible and we also thank our fans too for their support and prayers, he said.

    NAN

  • Agege Stadium to be completed as scheduled – LASG

    Agege Stadium to be completed as scheduled – LASG

    Bolaji Yusuf, the Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sports Infrastructure, on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the ongoing reconstruction of the Agege Township Stadium would be delivered as scheduled.

    Yusuf gave the assurance in an interview after an on the spot assessment to the stadium which, he said, the pace of work on it was satisfactory.

    Lagos State Government had directed speedy completion of the remodelling of the stadium ahead of the African Football Confederation    ( CAF ) inspection in December for the 2017/2018 Champions League.

    He said that there was a concerted effort to get the facility ready for MFM FC of Lagos for its CAF Champions League engagements next year.

    “We are on top of the reconstruction works on the facility and it is going on according to plans, we are expecting CAF inspection by December.

    Read also: MFM promises to deliver in CAF Champions League

    “I am sure that the stadium will get a pass mark. The new designs are diligently followed and we are sure to deliver the stadium.

    “Its part of the vision of the government to improve sports and a good sporting facility is also a catalyst for what we are talking about.

    “The stadium needs a facelift and that is what we are giving it. Lagos is known for standards and our sporting facilities will not be left out of the standard.

    “The government has committed huge sums of money for the reconstruction to upgrade it to a place where international matches can be held,’’ he said.

    Yusuf said that all the necessary adjustment on the stadium was in line with the recommendations from the CAF, adding that the plans would be followed strictly.

    “The stadium needs an upgrade as advised by CAF and all the remodelling plans will be followed strictly.

    “We expect people to see a brand new stadium when the work is done on it and it will also be a pride for everyone.

    “The stadium remodelling is not only for the team that wants to play continental matches there but others as well,’’ he said.

    Lagos-based MFM secured a ticket to play in the money-spinning CAF Champions League in the stadium which necessitated the upgrade.

    NAN

  • NPLF: Plateau United worthy champions, says MFM Coach

    NPLF: Plateau United worthy champions, says MFM Coach

    With the crowing of Plateau United as the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions on the last day of the competition, Lagos-Based MFM FC Coach, Fidelis Illechukwu, says the Jos-based team players are worthy champions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that that a last gap win for the Kennedy Boboye-tutored side against Rangers International of Enugu at the Rwang Pam Stadium gave them the much sort after NPFL trophy.

    The Peace Boys from Jos, first time winners of the NPFL, were able to beat the incumbent champions Enugu Rangers 2-0 on Saturday with goals from Emeka Umeh and Benjamin Turba.

    The Jos team needed the win so as to keep off the trailing MFM who are leading by only one point and any slip would have gifted the Olukoya Boys the trophy.

    However, MFM on the other hand were handed a 1-2 defeat by Laddan Bosso-tutored El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in the Match Day 38 encounter.

    MFM gaffer Illechukwu, in an interview with the NAN said that the Kennedy Boys were worthy champions of the league.

    “They are worthy champions and we congratulate them for their feat, they worked for the crown and it is theirs.

    “We also have the same ambition but it was for now, maybe next time we will try,” he said.

    Also, MFM Spokesman, Olawale Quadri, described the 2016/2017 season as great, adding that the team had accomplished its target.

    “For us it is a great season because nobody gave us the chance and at the end of the day we are able to secure a continental ticket.

    “We are excited getting the ticket and we promise Lagos fans a lot of surprises. For the continental ticket, we will ensure that we do well to please our fans.

    “The management has promised to recruit more experienced players to prosecute the continental campaign and challenge well, I believe we will be good representatives in the continental campaign next season.

    “Ultimately, recruitment of new players will be the major task ahead of the team management for now,” he said.

    NAN reports that Plateau United wrapped up the last day match with a win which earned them the NPFL trophy with 66 points, while MFM came second are with 62 points. (NAN)

  • MFM FC not burning out, promises to win next match

    MFM FC not burning out, promises to win next match

    After a 1-3 thumping by Makurdi-based Lobi Stars, MFM FC has promised victory in its next match against Shooting Stars of Ibadan in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

    The Team’s Media Officer, Olawale Quadri said the team had not burnt out, promising a rejuvenated side in the Ibadan encounter.

    MFM had failed to sustain the tempo of the first stanza of the league when it recorded a massive 10 wins, and six losses putting them second on the log.

    The high-flying MFM had however managed only one win in four league matches since the beginning of the second stanza of the league.

    Quadri told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the team had put the last defeats behind them.

    “It’s not true that we are burning out; we remain committed to our goal of achieving at least a continental ticket. We need to put the sorry loss behind us.

    “We are doing our best so as not to disappoint our fans.

    “We are assuring our fans that they should expect nothing but a victory comes Sunday,’’ he said.

    MFM opened its campaign in the second stanza of the 2016/2017 with a scoreless encounter with Akwa-United FC at Agege Stadium, followed by a 0-3 loss to Niger Tornadoes.

    The Olukoya Boys got back to winning ways in the Match Day 22 fixtures through a hard fought slim 1-0 win over FC Ifeanyi Uba at Agege stadium.

    The Southwest derby between the duos had been in favour of Shooting Star with a win recorded in both previous meeting that ended 2-1.

    MFM currently occupies 4th place on the NPFL log having played 23 matches and secured 37 points with 11 wins, four draws and eight losses.

    Shooting Stars on its part has had only one win in their last five league matches.

    The Fatai Amao-tutored team lost 2-0 to FC Ifeanyi Uba in Nnewi in their last match of the first stanza and surprisingly recorded 0-3 loss in the reverse fixture at home.

    The Ibadan-based team continued the downward trend with a 0-3 whitewash in the hands of Lobi Stars in Makurdi, followed by Match Day 22 hard fought 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars.

    The Oluyole Warriors then played a pulsating 0-0 match against visiting Kano Pillars at the Adamasigba stadium in the Mid-week Match Day 23 fixtures.

    Shooting Stars are currently battling relegation, second from the drop zone with 26 points from 23 league duel and a paltry six win, eight draws and nine losses.