NNL: Prime held by MFM to a 2-2 draw, Misses going top
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Prime Football Club were denied a return to top spot in the Nigeria National League after Mountain of Fire Miracle Ministry Football Club of Lagos, battled to a 2-2 home draw at the Federal Polytechnic Ede, Sports Complex.
MFM had to twice come from behind to pick a vital point from the homers.
The Omoluabi Giants were gifted to lead inside the first minute (30 seconds) via a superb cross over MFM defence from Ibukun Ojo, for Chidima Osamene, to steered the ball into the empty net.
MFM attacker, Adegboyega Adekunle, in the third minutes cut shot Prime lead as he draw level for his side after Prime defence line crumbled to shot pass Jimmy Bello, in goal for Prime.
Referee Jide Babayanju, from Ondo State, who was firm with his calls in the game awarded a 20th minute penalty to Prime after Akuneto Chibuzor, fouled Prime attacker, Ifeanyi Emmanuel, in the 18-yard box for the skipper, Waheed Olapade, to convert the spot kick.
Prime made two changes, following a disappointing 22 minutes injury picked up by Ibukun Ojo and goalkeeper Jimmy Bello, as Suleiman Akinyemi came in for Ojo, while Chidiebere James came in for Bello.
Substitute goalkeeper, Chidiebere James, made a goalkeeping blunder after MFM right full-back Omobhunde Ehimen fire a left leg low shot that beat him to goal in the 44th minute to end the first half 2-2.
MFM looking to make up ground in the league following their last weekend 1-1 draw at home with Bendel Insurance- continued to frustrate Prime with a determined midfield display, closing down space quickly when not on the ball.
Osamene just could not get on the end of a great cross from Emmanuel, at the other end, in the frame of goal.
MFM goalkeeper Folarin Abayomi, twice made saves from Prime attackers during the closing stages as Prime pressed for a winner, but each team had to be content with a point.
Having been frustrated by MFM’s determined midfield display, Prime almost snatched the winner after 81 minutes when Osamene’s close range shot on the MFM penalty area was thwarted by the finger tip of MFM goaltender.
Speaking after the match, Prime coach, Abimbola Samuel, while expressing his disappointment noted; “The game was probably as bad as it gets. We’re disappointed and we will fight back immediately away from home to make up the disappointing result.”
Prime now have 11 points from 7 matches and will travel to Ado-Ekiti next weekend to play host to Ekiti United.
