By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos-based MFM FC striker, Monday Shinshinma justified his inclusion in the first team line-up on Sunday when he scored to secure his team’ first victory over Shooting Stars.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Professional Football League Match Day 24 Southwest Derby was the first ever victory secured by MFM over Shooting Stars.
Both teams had met thrice in the NPFL with the Ibadan warlords securing two victories and a draw.
But it was MFM’s turn to secure victory on Sunday through Shinshinma.
Probably the golden boy was the joker for the MFM coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu as the game was his first start since he joined the team last season.
Shinshinma, however, justified his inclusion in the first team line-up as he slotted home a deft pass from Shola Brossa in the 21st minutes; his first goal of the season.
There were other chances created with good attacking display in the 37th minute from Sikiru Olatubosun and Stephen Odey.
Both players combined well but their efforts were repelled by the stoic defensive display by the Oluyole Warriors.
Olatubosun continued his creative display with a well taken free kick in the 41st minute, but his effort went inches wide.
Shooting Stars also had their moment in the 46 minute when Adebayo Abayomi missed a begging chance to put his team back in contention.
However, the Olukoya Boys could have made it two goals in the 55th minute when Olatubosun slotted home a pass from Odey only for the assistant referee to flag him offside.
MFM’s spokesperson, Olawale Quadri said the team had a well prepared script to beat Shooting Stars.
“This is all we wanted. We wanted a win over Shooting and thank God we were able to achieve it. We had not beaten this team in our NPFL’s three encounters. But today we had our chances.
“Before the game, the boys had promised to play their hearts out in order to achieve the needed victory.So they deserve credit for the match. We at happy to secure our first victory,” he said.
MFM are now second on the NPFL table, five points adrift from the leaders Plateau United. Enyimba are third with 38 points and FC IfeanyiUbah fourth with 37 points.(NAN)
