The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MFM FC

  • MFM FC fans not ruffians – Management

    MFM FC fans not ruffians – Management

    The management of Lagos-based MFM FC on Friday said that the club’s fans were not ruffians and would never engage in any form of lawlessness.

    The club’s management was reacting to an allegation in a publication that the fans were seen abusing alcohol during Match Day 16 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture against Abia Warriors.

    The match played at MFM’s soccer temple, Agege Township Stadium on Wednesday, saw the team beat Abia Warriors FC 2-1.

    MFM supporters were reportedly taking alcoholic local drink, popularly called “Jedi” during the Match Day 16 encounter.

    The management of the club through its Director of Sport, Emmanuel Adeyemi, defended the fans saying that they would always uphold the club’s tenets of being a faith-based team.

    He condemned the report, noting that the supporters were people of good reputation who would never bring the name of the club to disrepute by engaging in unholy acts.

    “Our attention is drawn to a story claiming that our fans were spotted taking alcohol during our game against Abia Warriors.

    “I want to state categorically that the story was not accurate because our supporters are very modest, they don’t indulge in any unholy act.

    “Every fan of the club has the proper knowledge of what the team stands for, they know that drinking of alcohol or smoking is against our belief.

    “I want to state here that there has never been any case of such in all our games,” he said.

    Adeyemi urged the public to disregard the purported allegation against the fans of the club, adding that the team would work hard to protect their integrity.

    “I will like to use this opportunity to tell our fans to disregard the story and I want to appreciate them for their support to the team.

    “They have been very supportive in all our matches and we will continue to work hard and we will not disappoint them,” he said in the statement.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos-based team is currently on top of the NPFL table with 30 points from 16 league matches.

    They will be up against Nasarawa United FC on Sunday in Lafia for Match Day 17 encounter.

     

  • Expectations for the week

    Expectations for the week

    In Nigeria, no day or week passes without its uniqueness, controversy and news. Last week, many happenings around the various segments will still unfold this week majorly because there is continuous unending drama surrounding them.

    One of such happening is the great revelation by an online media that Kogi west representative at the Senate, Mr. Dino Melaye did not graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    The bold, tall and huge senator fired back warning his ‘enemies’ to back off and that he has seven degrees including a degree from the renowned Harvard University.

    Soon after his statement, Harvard University replied saying the Kogi born politician did not attend the institution. The senator even went on to post a picture of him observing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1999 although his statement of result from Ahmadu Bello University shows he graduated in 2000.

    Sen. Melaye said he has sued the online publication alongside the publisher to court but obviously the public will want a clearer explanation on the actual situation of things.

    With the Vice-chancellor of the institution declaring on the floor of the Senate today that Melaye actually graduated with a third class in 2000, the last may not have been heard concerning this yet, and more revelations may burst up this week.

    The Senate has been in the news in more recent weeks and the claim by Senator Shehu Sani last week that the Secretary to the Federal Government, Babachir David Lawal awarded contracts to ‘ghost firms’ has put the red chamber more on the headlines. Last Friday, a statement from the SGF urged the general public not to be misled into the belief that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has the authority or power to award contracts.

    With Lawal to appear before the Senate soon, many Nigerians are hopeful to get a clearer understanding of the situation. To strengthen the Nigerian democracy, the opposition party must be a good watch-dog to the government.

    However, the recent crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party has led to name-calling in the media. The two factions have been at each other’s neck and with a case already at the Supreme Court; one wonders how the dispute will be settled. This week may witness new twists and turns as per their crisis.

    At the weekend, the number one in the Nigerian Professional Football League spot got a new face although it was not an unfamiliar face. Last week, star striker of MFM FC and current highest goal scorer in the league, Stephen Odey added two goals which lifted his club to the zenith but with a loss for the Olukoya boys away at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe and a win for Plateau United yesterday brought the former league leaders back to the pinnacle with 28 points. Last season’s champions, Rangers International is languishing at the bottom of the table with 12 points.

    After Bassey’s eviction from the Big Brother Naija house yesterday, one wonders who will be next to leave this week. With just six housemates left, and Bisola being the new head of house, the show is gradually winding down and the fans are savoring all the excitement. Some housemates will be put up for eviction and the person with the least number of votes gets evicted on Sunday.

     

  • MFM FC target top-3 finish

    MFM FC target top-3 finish

    NPFL leaders MFM FC will hope to finish in the top-3, according to Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu.

    The church team from Lagos barely escaped relegation last season, but this season they are among the front runners in the NPFL thus far.

    The young, dapper coach also speaks on the leading scorer Stephen Odey as well as why MFM are right now on top of the mountain.

    The remarkable turnaround, he said is a result of character and discipline because these factors are very important in football.

    “We are very, very happy, we are glad, the management and the officials as well as the players are glad.”

  • Expectations for the week

    [dropcap]A[/dropcap]s we begin a new week, several actions, decisions and activities will be taken in various walks of life across the country.

    From politics, sports, fashion and entertainment, this column will give you a quick peep into expectations for the week. Today, the debut of juicy news to expect hits your tabs, laptops and phones.

    First, let’s start with the melodrama by some of our incredibly talented thespians in the Senate. The seemingly unending saga involving the Customs boss Col. Hameed Ali, about his UNIFORM and the refusal of the senate to lay down its ego for an insubordinate retired colonel leaves much to be imagined.

    [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#e5c834″ bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]Trending:

    Reliable sources have it that the Customs boss rather than appear on the stated date, met the Senate President, Bukola Saraki a day before in a closed-door meeting. Still unsatisfied with the meeting, the senators demanded he appeared before them last Friday.

    The iconoclast, Col. Ali, shocked everyone when he appeared in flowing white robes matched with a white cap…interesting! When asked why he didn’t wear his uniform, he said his letter of invitation did not specifically inform him of what to wear. He was “sent” back home to dress properly, and was told to appear this Wednesday in his uniform.

    Will Col. Ali appear in his uniform as stipulated by the Senate? This will be answered in the next forty-eight hours.

    Secondly, Nigerians will be eager to know what will become of the acting EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu. Twice, he has been rejected by the Senate; the latest, on the grounds of failing the highly revered “integrity test” by some “men of integrity” in the senate. Their decision they say is predicated on the report by the DSS. Will the President resend his name to the Senate or nominate another individual? It is only a question of time!

    On the entertainment scene, the Big Brother Naija housemates may be reduced by one later in the week. Just yesterday, Thin Tall Tony (TTT) got evicted after getting the least number of votes. TTT, DebbieRise, T-boss and Efe were put up for eviction last week. As the show enters it’s closing stages, many viewers are expectant of more scintillating drama that has followed the show from the beginning.

    After Don Jazzy’s surprise visit to the housemates today, the viewers will love to know which celebrity will be next to visit the housemates.

    In sports, after defeating the league leaders at home yesterday to go second on the table, MFM FC have another home fixture on Wednesday which will make them go top of the league if they win. Star striker, Stephen Odey will have to be in his usual top form if the “Olukoya boys” are to continue their good home run. Will the Agege based club win and go top of the Nigerian football league? Time will tell…

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”category” link_target=”_blank” category=”128″ count=”8″ show_more=”on”]

  • MFM strong enough to match Enyimba – Coach

    MFM strong enough to match Enyimba – Coach

    As the Lagos-based MFM FC tackles Enyimba FC of Aba for their Match Day 13, the Technical Adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu says his wards are strong enough to match seven-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NPFL Match 13, between the Olukoya Boys and the Peoples Elephant will take place at the U.J. Esuene Stadium on Saturday in Calabar.

    Previous meetings in the 2015/2016 fixtures between MFM FC and the Aba-based club had all ended in a draw.

    The Church Boys are currently fifth on the NPFL table with 19 points from 10 league games. They won six, drew one and lost three.

    Enyimba is 14th on the league table with 14 points from 11 games. The team won four matches, drew 2 and lost five.

    However, MFM currently has two outstanding matches against Rivers United and Wikki Tourists, who are engaged in African Football (CAF) Champions League engagements.

    The Olukoya Boys will have to test their might against a more determined side to win Enyimba in the crucial encounter.

    On records, MFM have been firing from all cylinders since the beginning of the season and had performed better in their previous campaigns in the NPFL with strong wins over league’s heavy weights.

    The Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side earned a point away against 3SC of Ibadan in the first South-West encounter; after which they dispatched Sunshine Stars of Akure 1-0 in Akure.

    The team, however, lost 1-2 away to Kastina United in the Match Day 12 only to record a slim 1-0 win over another league debutant, Remo Stars, courtesy of Stephen Odey’s penalty.

    Enyimba on the other hand, have not been impressive this season recording only four wins in the 2016/2017 campaign and a surprising 0-0 with 3SC of Ibadan in the Match Day 11 fixtures.

    Baring the importance of the match, Ilechukwu believed that his side was now ripe to contest for the maximum points at stake in the weekend fixture.

    “We want to replicate our fine form against Enyimba because we have not lost against them in more than five meetings, both in pre-season and NPFL.

    “We played a goalless draw last season and we want to build on that in as much as I understand that there are changes in the management and that some players have left.

    “Although they still have quality players, we want to maintain our status against Enyimba,’’ he said.

    Ilechukwu said that the League Management Company (LMC) had done a lot to improve the league in the country; an effort he said had positively impacted on the league.

    “The LMC has done so much in the NPFL. There is no more home, no more away and anybody can win anywhere.

    “We have a situation where a team can either draw or lose anywhere.  As it stands now, anything can happen, this is football.

    “I believe we have a strong team that can match Enyimba. So, I believe we can beat them in their home,’’ he said.

     

  • Match Day 7: ABS FC, MFM encounter postponed

    Match Day 7: ABS FC, MFM encounter postponed

    The League Management Company (LMC) has postponed its mid-week Match Day 7 fixture involving Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC of Ilorin and MFM FC to Thursday.

    The league organisers announced the postponement in a letter addressed to the Chairmen of the two clubs on Monday.

    The letter, titled “Change of Match Date (ABS FC vs MFM FC) was signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar.download (1)

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that MFM had announced its arrival in Ilorin on their twitter account earlier in the day in anticipation of the game.

    NAN recalls that ABS conceded a late goal against Kano Pillars on Sunday in Kano to lose 0-1 in a Match Day 6 encounter.

    Also, MFM recorded a 1-0 away win against Sunshine Stars FC of Akure also on Sunday.

  • Bala blames loss of concentration, poor marksmanship for defeat to MFM 

    Bala blames loss of concentration, poor marksmanship for defeat to MFM 

    Niger Tornadoes Head Coach, Abubakar Bala has blamed his team’s 3-0 defeat to MFM FC in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day one encounter on loss of concentration and poor marksmanship on the part of the players.

    Three first half goals from Olatunbosun Sikiru, Odey Stephen and Adekunle Adegboyega were enough for the Olukoya Boys to record its first home win of the season in a match decided at the ‘Soccer Temple’, Agege Township Stadium, Lagos on Sunday.

    In a chat with NationSport after the encounter, Bala who felt disappointed losing by such margin, said the team will work on the lapses noticed before their next game against Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC on Wednesday.

    “We never bargained for this, we did not expect a wide margin loss, but that is football for you. At times you prepare for something and you get another thing at the end of the day. We never expected this result but we have taken it in good faith.

    “The most important thing is that we have identified our weak areas and we need to work very hard on them.

    “We have been able to identify two major problems, loss of concentration in the midfield and the reaction whenever we lose the ball. We don’t react well and fast whenever we lose the ball. We allowed them to make use of the ball faster and get into our finishing area on time. We need to correct that especially in area of zonal-marking.

    “If you look at the game, we were playing well from the the first minutes up till the 15th minute.  We lost two clear chances during that period and immediately after we lost the second chance they got their first goal. It was loss of concentration, poor marksmanship from our midfielder that cost us the game.

    “So we will work on those lapses that we have identified before our next game against ABS”, he assured NationSport.

     

  • NPFL: MFM FC fans want more spectators in stadium

     

    Lagos-based MFM FC fans on Monday urged spectators to turnout en masse for the club’s

    subsequent matches, saying the team is ready to atone for the near disappointment of last

    season’s games.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the spectators stand was not what it used to be

    judging with the turnout for last season’s
    Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matches.

    The Match Day 1 between MFM and Niger Tornadoes ended 3-0 but some fans have called on others to

    come out in their numbers during the team’s home games.

    Jamiu Gboyega, told NAN that it was too early to suggest apathy to MFM’s matches, but noted that

    the economic recession might have
    contributed to the fans not occupying the stands.

    “This is a good start for us, we can also say that MFM only started from where they had started

    last season only that I am expecting to see more fans.

    “It is too early to suggest apathy to matches but I equally think that the current economic

    recession has not helped the situation too.

    “People must be happy before they come out to watch football matches, but let’s wait and see

    what will happen during the next home game.

    “I will like to see spectators fill the stands in subsequent matches, this is a message to

    them,’’ he said.

    Benjamin Ndidi said the situation at the stadium was not new for those who watched MFM’s last

    season’s first game, adding that fans will throng the facility in subsequent games.

    “The situation at the stadium is not peculiar to the team; generally
    first matches like this should not be a yardstick to measure attendance at the stadium.

    “I hope that the spectators will be turning in after this match and we will support our darling

    team.

    “I want to see my colleagues who have promised to be here, some have
    yet to return from their villages where they visited for the Christmas and New Year

    celebrations,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that first half goals from Sikiru Olatunbosun in the 25th
    minute and those from Stephen Odey in 28th and Adekunle Adegboyega 31st minute got MFM to a good

    start to the season.

  • CONE jersey good for MFM FC, says Adeyemi

    CONE jersey good for MFM FC, says Adeyemi

    Mountain of Fire and Ministries Football Club Director of Sport, Emmanuel Adeyemi, has said CONE Sports jerseys can compete with others worldwide, reports mountaintopfc.com.

    The Olukoya Boys made public its 2016/17 football season home (purple) and away (blue) colours to their fans and media in Lagos.

    Adeyemi said: “It’s history making of the club as we unveil our new jerseys for the season.

    “The kits, which are produced by Nigeria’s top brand sports kitting company, CONE Sportwears, are fantastic and are good for our players. They can also compete with other club jerseys around the World.

    “From us (MFM FC of Lagos), we look forward for a better partnership with CONE.”

    Adeyemi, a Director with the League Management Company (LMC) who thanked the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire Miracles and Ministries, Dr. Daniel Kayode Olukoya for his tremendous support for the development of youths in the country, assured its teeming fans that the club will not battle the drop but compete for laurels this season.

    Chief Executive Officer of CONE Sports, Cletus Okojie said the unveiling was first of its kind for the company as he thanked the management of MFM FC for the partnership deal.

    “At CONE, we are creative, and in creativity, we don’t talk much rather we let our designs do the talking for us.

    “The jerseys we have produced for the club  are player friendly to our weather and it also brings out player’s efficiency during matches with a goal of winning games.

    “Our jerseys are also appealing to fans, as they are eager to buy our products. The long run effect of this, is clubs making revenue for the sales of replica shirts.”

    The Olukoya Boys will on Sunday kick off the new season with a home game against Niger Tornadoes of Minna at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

  • MFM FC appoint new director, Adeyemi

    MFM FC appoint new director, Adeyemi

    Following the ongoing restructuring of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos, the General overseer of the church, Dr. Daniel Olukoya has appointed Mr Emmanuel Adeyemi as the Director of the club.

    The new Director will henceforth be representing the General overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries worldwide who is now the chairman of the football team at all LMC’s meeting.

    Adeyemi who has been charged by Dr. Olukoya to take full responsibility of running the club’s activities described the new appointment as a great opportunity to discover more lost souls and bring them back to Christ as he revealed the vision of the G.O for the football club in an interview with the media team of the modest NPFL outfit.

    “It’s a great opportunity given to me by the General Overseer to contribute positively towards the repositioning agenda of the youths through football and to assist in developing the football team and winning the youths back to Christ.

    “The General Overseer believes so much in the youths. His love and appetite for empowering the youths is unprecedented and legendary, we will work hard to ensure that we have a better outing in the next session.

    “Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football team is founded on a vision given by God to move the youths out of the woods to a position of destiny.

    “Our General Overseer instituted this destiny discovering programme for the youths in a bid to ensure that they live a Godly life, fulfill their destinies, rewrite their family histories and positively impact their generation for Christ,” he told mountaintopfc.com.