MFM’s coach vows to keep team in NPFL

Still savouring their 3-1 triumph over Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club (MFM FC) coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has declared that the success was an indication that they could get a good result when they meet defending champions, Enyimba FC of Aba, in their next Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game.

A goal by Sikiru Olatunbosun and a brace from Newman Musa gave the Olukoya Boys a hard-earned victory in match-day 35 of the NPFL over the Benue Army. The match played at the Agege Township Stadium on Sunday was their first win in eight. MFM is now 15th on the log with 41 points from 33 league matches.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Ilechukwu, who thanked God for the victory, said he was still not a happy man due to their recent results.

“This success over Lobi Stars has not yet called for a celebration. I can only be happy if at the end of the day we escape relegation; then we can celebrate. But I still give God the glory for everything,” he said.

Ilechukwu dismissed the insinuation that one of the reasons MFM were in the 15th position was bad officiating by referees, saying he would not be drawn to such controversies.

“MFM as a brand can be taken to any bank in the country. As far as I am concerned, I can only lay the blame of my club’s current position at my doorstep, although a lot of things have happened, which I will not want to talk about. Now, my plan is to see that we remain in the top flight of the Premier league next season. The league is a very tough one and I have learnt a lot from it.

“As a coach, I believe the referees are human, who are bound to make errors. Though many have been complaining about bad officiating in the league, for me I have a different view about the whole thing.

“If my boys had been taken their chances, definitely we would not be where we are today; we should be up there. If we can beat Lobi Stars in our last match, then it is possible we get a draw against Enyimba in Port Harcourt, if not a win. I pray that our form against Lobi Stars continues,” he concluded.