Ilechukwu relishes Lagos derby draw

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu has described his side’s first clean sheet of the season in match day 5 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) against City Rivals, Ikorodu United as a very good result.

10-man MFM FC claimed their 4th away points of the ongoing NPFL season after playing out a draw against Ikorodu United in a Lagos derby at the Onikan Stadium on Sunday.

It was indeed an exciting and entertaining Lagos derby, the players of both teams lived up to the expectations of the fans with scintillating performances.

Ikorodu United got a shot on target in the 22nd minute through Agbane Dandy long range effort but MFM FC goalkeeper, Abayomi Folarin pulled a great save.

Abayomi continued with his heroic performance with another big save denying the Oga Boys another goal opportunity in the 39th minute of play. Dandy's close range shot was punched away by the goalkeeper.

Ilechukwu's men were reduced to 10-men in the 45th of the game with defender Monsuru Olawale receiving a second yellow card.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, MFM FC threatened their hosts with strikers Newman Musa, Sikiru Olatunbusun and substitute Stephen Odey failing to convert their chances.

Fidelis said the goalless draw against Ikorodu United is as important as the three points.

“Playing with ten men and coming out with a point is something I regard as a great result, it's as important as the maximum points.

"This is the first time we are keeping a clean sheet in the top flight, I never thought we would record a draw because even with 11 men against Nasarawa United Shooting Stars of Ibadan, we conceded goals, so for me this result is a good one.

"Derbies all over the world are always difficult, and I think my players deserve commendation for their resilience, they really showed character and discipline" he concluded.

The hard-earned point has taken the Olukoya Boys to the third position on the league standing on 10 points from a possible 15 in the five-week old NPFL season.