Odey scores as MFM narrows gap to two points

The title race is back on. Now, the gap between first-placed Plateau United and MFM has been cut to two points following contrasting results involving the leaders yesterday.

Playing at the Agege Stadium, MFM defeated hard-fighting Wikki Tourists 1-0 courtesy of a goal by CHAN Eagles invitee, Stephen Odey.

Odey’s 40th minute goal, his 17th of the campaign, ensured the Fidelis Ilechukwu-led team remain in touching distance of Plateau United, who lost in Lokoja to Niger Tornadoes.

As things stand, MFM have 49 points from 29 matches, while Plateau United remain on 51 points. Tornadoes scored their winner as early as the fourth minute through a Samuel Agba goal from the penalty spot.

The game of the day happened in Kano, where Pillars, in front of a record crowd, beat defending champions, Enugu Rangers 2-0 with goals in the first half by Jamiu Alimi (32nd minute) and Junior Lokosa (43rd minute).

The Oriental derby in Nnewi ended with FC IfeanyiUbah denting Enyimba’s hope of reclaiming the title they so cherish. Again, the goal came from the boots of Godwin Obaje, who has become a goal machine of sorts for the Nnewi-based millionaires.

The defeat has taken Enyimba from third to the seventh position, while Akwa United have moved from fourth to third following their 3-0 defeat of visiting Gombe United 3-0 in Uyo. FC IfeanyiUbah are now fifth on the log.

El-Kanemi Warriors are fourth on the log after their 1-0 defeat of Abia Warriors of Umuahia in Maiduguri. Makurdi-based Lobi Stars surprisingly found Remo Stars too tough to crack at the Aper Aku Stadium, but they eventually triumphed 3-2.

Nasarawa United were also among the winners, as they beat Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Ijebu-Ode. It is an away victory that has renewed the Lafia team’s hope in their quest to return to the continent. Abdulrahman Bashir scored the match winner in the 41st minute and Nasarawa United head coach, Kabir Dogo, sees the result as the beginning of their climb up the ladder. The team are currently on the ninth position.

“Our away victory over Sunshine Stars is well deserved as we were clearly the better side. We had a crucial chance at goal and we were able to make it count positively resulting in the decisive goal.

“Sunshine Stars, too had their own fair share of the chances but could not make maximum use of it.

“I’m happy with the victory coming on the heels of our futile campaign last weekend in Umuahia against Abia Warriors. It would have been a disservice to our aspiration and position on the league log to have lost two straight away matches.