Lagos-based MFM Football Club on Sunday defeated Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC of Ilorin 2-1 at the Agege Stadium to close in on league leaders Plateau United.
TheNewsGuru reports that the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 27 fixture helped MFM FC to reduce Plateau United’s lead to two points.
Their cause was further helped by the league leaders’ 0-1 loss away to El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri to stay on 48 points.
On the other hand, goals from Austine Ogunye in the 17th minute and Sikiru Olatunbosun in the 72nd minute helped the team to 46 points.
Austine Ogunye scored from the penalty kick spot after Stephen Odey was brought down in the penalty box, with Ogunye sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Olatunbosun scored in the 72nd minute with an assist from Ogunye.
Speaking after the match, the MFM FC coach, Fidelis Illechukwu, said his decision to allow Ogunye take the penalty kick, instead of regular taker Odey, was purely professional.
“That is a professional decision. Ogunye is more experienced and matured than Odey. So, if he is on the pitch, he takes the penalty kick. That is fair enough.
“Our aim is to win the game, no matter who scores. We want to put the ball at the back of the net. Odey is also a good penalty kick taker, but Ogunye is more matured.
“Now that our mission is fulfilled, the match’s three points are our target, and we want to try our hands on the league shield,’’ he said.
TNG reports that MFM FC still occupy second spot on the NPFL log with 46 points from 27 matches, after 14 wins, four draws and nine losses.
The league leaders have 48 points from 27 matches.