Odey, Olatunbosun propel MFM back to NPFL summit
L@Ngobuadavid
eading NPFL goal scorer, Stephen Odey and strike partner, Sikiru Olatunbosun were the heroes yesterday when MFM defeated Abia Warriors 2-1 to return to the top of the table after they were toppled by Plateau United who walloped ABS 4-1 in their week 15 encounter in Jos.
While Odey scored his 13th goal of the season in the 4th minute of the match, Olatunbosun who is still basking in the euphoria of his ‘wonder goal’ against Enugu Rangers scored his second of the season in the 29th minute.
There was however, anxious moments towards the end of the match when former 3SC star, Sunday Adetunji pulled a goal back for Abia Warriors in the 84th minute but MFM held their nerves to pick the maximum points.
MFM’s closest rivals, Plateau United fought hard to earn a 0-0 draw at Rivers United but that was not enough to deny the ‘Olukayode boys’ the top spot as they now have 30 point, one more than Plateau United.
In Enugu, defending champions Rangers poor run continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow strugglers Remo Stars. Daniel Etor gave the ‘flying antelopes’ an early lead in the 14th minute, Ekene Awazie equalised in the 54th minute to deny the host the maximum points.
Former champions Enyimba fought hard in Bauchi but surrendered the three points when Victor Alegbe headed in from a corner late in the match to hand his team the much desired victory and momentary respite.
In Ilorin, ageless Manir Ubale was the hero as he scored in the 54th minute to earn 10-man Gombe United their first away point of the season after they held ABS to a 1-1 draw. Chigozirim Metu had given the host the lead in the 40th minute.
Former Pillars striker Adamu Hassan returned to Kano with Nasarawa United to haunt his former team as he scored the equaliser in the 58th minute to earn his side a crucial away point.
Mubarak Said gave Pillars the lead in the 9th minute but petit Hassan ensured Pillars paid dearly for allowing him to leave the club under unpleasant circumstances.
There were also victories for 3SC, FC IfeanyiUbah and Sunshine Stars as they picked the maximum points against El-Kanemi Warriors, Niger Tornadoes and Katsina United at home.
Lobi Stars will battle rejuvenated Akwa United today at the Aper Aku stadium Makurdi in the remaining fixture of week 16.