Olatunbosun strike helps MFM beat Akwa United 1-0

By Akeem Lawal

SIKIRU Olatunbosun’s 33rd minute strike was all Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM FC) needed to defeat Akwa United in a rescheduled Matchday 8 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture held at the Agege ‘Soccer Temple’ Stadium on Friday.

Both teams returned to the domestic scene following their continental engagement last weekend. The Olukoya Boys kicked off their debut campaign in the CAF Champions League on a positive note, picking an encouraging 1-1 away draw against Real Bamako of Mali, while the Promise Keepers got off to a bad start in the CAF Confederation Cup as they lost 2-1 at home to Banjul Hawks of Gambia.

Despite Friday’s defeat, Akwa United still remain on top of the log with 16 points, while MFM moves to eight position with 12 points.

The host dominated possession in the early stages of the game but were unlucky to get the opening goal after making two goal attempts. Okorom Stanley made nothing out of the dead-ball situation after Chukwuka Onuwa had won a free kick for the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu side, while Adesola Ademola's shot was tipped over the crossbar by Emmanuel Iwu.

Aniekeme Asuquo had a chance to put the visitors ahead in the 20th minute, but his effort hit the woodwork after collecting a through ball from Victor Mbaoma.

A penalty appeal by MFM in the 30th minute was waved by the center referee after Nojeem Akinyemi was brought down inside the Akwa United box.

Olatunbosun however put MFM FC in front with a screamer after receiving a pass from Adebayo Waheed.

The visitors thought they have equalized after Cyril Olisema tap in Aniekeme Asuquo's cross into the net in the 60th minute but the referee disallowed it for an offside.

Efforts by the coach Abdu Maikaba side for an equalizer proved abortive as the Opara Austin-led defense line proved too strong to secure MFM’s 4th win of the campaign.