Onuwa breaks Katsina United’s hearts, hands MFM 3-2 victory

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club (MFM FC) midfielder, Chukwuka Onuwa yesterday at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium, returned his club to winning ways after as his late goal gave the Lagos team a 3-2 victory over visiting Katsina United.

The encounter, a Match Day 31 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture, was earlier scheduled for Sunday, but postponed due to heavy down pour.

Two first half goals from Stephen Odey and Sikiru Olatunbosun in the 15th and 26th minute respectively gave the Olukoya Boys a comfortable lead. The Changi Boys fought back in the second half and levelled up 2-2 through a well-taken free kick by Destiny Ashadi in the 70th and another goal by Obinna Eleje.

Then Onuwa, scoring his first goal of the season, rapped up the game for the Lagos team in the 78th minute to take MFM back to the number two spot on the NPFL’s table.

Speaking to The Guardian after yesterday’s classic duel, MFM’s coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu attributed the victory to God’s grace upon his team. He said Chukwuka’s goal came when he was about bringing in another player to replace him.

“Our win over Katsina United was a great one. The victory to me was like winning the Champions League trophy. It was a tough game, but we thank God for everything he has been doing for us. It was as if he knew my plan to change him and his goal silenced my earlier decision.”

Explaining their opponent’s comeback, Ilechukwu said the boys thought it was over and in the process mellowed down and almost got punished.

“My boys relaxed a bit, a sort of over confidence, they thought the match had been won after their first half display. In the dressing room, I warned them over complacency and reminded them of the game between IfeanyiUbah and Gombe, which was similar to our match.

“But we thank God because without the winning goal, things would have been different. We needed to keep abreast with the league leader, Plateau United. Nobody believed that Plateau United would be where they are now, even MFM. I still believe the league is open to all the 20 teams in the NPFL,” he said.