Both Enyimba and ABS waited late before they will see off visiting Akwa United and MFM FC, respectively yesterday in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clashes.
Skipper Mfon Udoh’s volley from 20 yards on 82 minutes stopped Akwa United in Calabar, while a 74th minute penalty tucked away by Samuel Oyedeji handed ABS a crucial home win over MFM FC.
ABS has now moved to the third spot on the NPFL table with 13 points from seven matches, while Enyimba moved to fourth also on 13 points.
Despite the loss in Ilorin, MFM remain second in the standings on 13 points and a superior goals difference.
Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club suffered their first defeat in four Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) games on Thursday evening in Ilorin against Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club courtesy of Samuel Oyedeji’s 75th minute well converted spot kick.
At the game in Ilorin, MFM FC right-back Stanley Okorom began the clash, forcing ABS FC goalkeeper Boje Abdullahi to a great save when he tried a shot in the eight minute of the exchange.
Mohammed Mohammed of ABS FC tested MFM FC goalkeeper Ospino Egbe in the 15th minute of the game with an audacious shot but he pulled off a fine save to deny the hosts their goal opportunity.
MFM FC teenage striker Adebayo Waheed tried a shot from outside the box in the 34th minute of the lively match but the hosts defended it so well.
Both teams gave good account of themselves creating several chances but they failed to make their efforts count in front of goal. The first half ended goalless for the two sides.
ABS FC began the second half of the entertaining match pressurising MFM FC defence, stringing passes but the visitors’ defenders stood tall and kept the score-line intact. Ernest Governor of ABS saw his 55th minute shot go off target.
The Saraki Boys were awarded a penalty kick in the 74th minute of the match when Anaekwe was adjudged to have been fouled in the visitors’ box and the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty. Samuel Oyedeji converted the spot kick.
MFM FC coach Fidelis Ilechukwu then brought on Agbane Candy and NPFL top scorer Stephen Odey for Kenedinum Nelson and Adebayo Waheed respectively.
The two attackers made their impact felt as they troubled the hosts defence but the resolute Saraki Boys defended their one goal lead. The game ended with the Ilorin-based club claiming their fourth home win.
