MFM FC survives Plateau United scare

 Goals from Stephen Odey, Olatunbosun Sikiru and Onuwa Chukwuka propelled Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC to second spot on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) log after a hard earned 3-2 home win over Katsina United FC on Monday morning.

The Matchday 31 encounter between MFM FC and Katsina United originally scheduled for Sunday was shifted to this Monday morning due to heavy downpour at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium on Sunday and the fans still came out in appreciable numbers to support their darling team.

Both teams began the lively contest with determination and precision. The hosts won the first free kick of the match after 10 minutes of exchange but Olatunbosun failed to make it count. Stanley Okorom had a chance to open the score sheet for MFM FC minutes after Olatunbosun's attempt but his effort from outside the box went wide.

NPFL leading scorer, Stephen Odey, scored his 18th goal of the season in the 15th minute of the match off an assist from Olatunbosun. He chipped the onrushing Katsina goalkeeper, Dami Paul, with his head and then finished the ball neatly.

The Olukoya Boys rounded off the first 45 minutes in an emphatic fashion with the second goal of the day. Odey located his strike partner, Olatunbosun, with a brilliant pass in the 29th minute of the game, the left-footed player doubled his team’s lead with a great finish.

MFM FC continued from where they stopped in the first half and they nearly got the third goal of the day in the 63rd minute but Onuwa’s lovely shot from outside the box was blocked by Katsina defenders.

Baldwin Bazuaye men put their acts together after Onuwa’s attempt and scored two goals under five minutes. Destiny Ashadi reduced his side’s deficit off a well taken free kick in the 70th minute while Obinna Eleje brought the game to level terms netting the second goal for the visitors after connecting a pass from Ashadi.

The 78th minute of the entertaining match witnessed a defining moment for the home team.

Petit midfielder, Onuwa Chukwuka, regained the lead for MFM FC with his first goal of the season. He was assisted by Olatunbosun. The game ended in a 3-2 triumph for the Olukoya Boys who are now sitting in second position on the 20-team NPFL table with 52 points from 31 league matches.