MATCH REPORT: Enyimba Int’l FC 0-0 MFM FC

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lago boosted their chance of survival in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after compelling Enyimba International Football Club of Aba to a barren draw at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt in Match Day 36 encounter played on Sunday afternoon. 

Having shared the maximum points at stake in the reverse fixture in Week 16, the Olukoya Boys knew that a point in this encounter will brighten their hopes of staying put in the Nigerian top-flight hence they had to grind out the valuable away point after 90 minutes of brilliant display of the round lethal game. 

The hosts began the encounter with lots of confidence dictating possession and kept the visitors defence busy after testing MFM FC’s goalkeeper, Abayomi Folarin who made a fantastic save to deny Musa Najare his effort at goal. 

MFM FC won a free kick in the 14th minute of the match when Enyimba’s captain, Chinedu Udoji was booked with the first yellow card of the match after a foul on Austine Ogunye who was a torn in the flesh for the Peoples Elephants defenders. Ifeanyi Ifeanyi's well-struck  free kick from few yards away from the box failed to beat the wall. 

Enyimba curtailed the NPFL debutant attackers from getting the opener after series of good defensive play and created more  goal scoring chances but they failed to make all their effort in front of goal count. 

Chukwude Stephen of Enyimba International had an opportunity to break the deadlock but his brilliant lob trickled narrowly wide. The league champions witnessed another goal opportunity when Daniel Etor beat his maker but Mfon Udoh and Chukwude failed to connect the winger's delivery. The first 45 minutes ended goalless. 

The Lagos-based team began the second half like a house on fire bossing the midfield and dictating possession as they piled the pressure on the homers defence. Enyimba defensive midfielder, Kelly Kester received the second yellow card of the game when he made an attempt to stop Ogunye from racing on to a brilliant pass from Onuwa Chukwuka.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu of MFM FC substituted injured Newman Musa with striker, Stephen Odey in the 56th minute. The teenager made his presence felt six minutes after his introduction when his right-footed shot from outside the box went inches wide after connecting a lovely pass from Onuwa who was a delight to watch in the nervy encounter.

Enyimba substitute, Joseph Osadiaye who came in to replace Mfon Udoh made a mazzy run at MFM FC defence and picked out Etor in the 67th minute of the game but the latter couldn’t apply a fine finish.

 

The Olukoya Boys continued with their brave performance as they went forward with great counter-attacking moves in search of the opener with Ifeanyi, Oladele Oshobe and petit midfielder, Onuwa asserting their authority in the middle of the pack.

Enyimba safe hands, Theophilus Afelokhai pulled the best save of the game in the 77th minute when he gathered Odey’s  left footed shot at goal to keep the scoreline intact. The match ended with both sides sharing the three points at stake. 

With the crucial away point in the bag, MFM FC still keep their 15th spot on the NPFL table with 42 points from 34 league matches.