Enyimba 0 MFM 0: The Olukoya Boys end away losing streak to earn crucial point

MFM FC ended their away seven games losing streak to earn an important in Portharcourt.

The Olukoya Boys who are at the brink of relegation brightened their chances of escaping relegation with a hard fought goalless draw away to champions Enyimba at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.

The 0-0 draw effectively brings to an end any mathematical chance of the Peoples Elephant successfully defending their league title.

The Lagos-based side, placed 15th on the log before kickoff on matchday, knew a point or three for them against the champions will keep them off the relegation zone, with an eye on Sunday’s other games involving relegation-threatened sides, Warri Wolves, Shooting Stars and Abia Warriors.

Enyimba could have been in front within the quarter of an hour, no thanks to the visiting goalkeeper, Folarin Abayomi, who denied Nzube Anaezemba in quick succession.

The visitors almost got the better of the two-time African champions on the half hour mark, when Theophilus Afelokhai failed to deal with Sikiru Olatunbosun’s corner kick, before recovering to get hold of the ball.

Enyimba intensified their quest to break the visiting defence after the break, with Ifeanyi Onuigbo and Joseph Osadiaye drafted in for Musa Najare and Mfon Udoh respectively.

The Peoples Elephant overcame a major scare in the 70th minute, when Afelokhai stretched at full length to keep out Stephen Odey’s strike, 20 yards out.

Afelokhai’s save was the major highlight of the second half, but the home side came close to sealing a win at the death, when Stephen Chukwude’s effort from edge of the area sailed inches wide.

With the point, MFM maintain their 15th position in the NPFL table as it was before the start of the matchday. MFM are now a point off the drop zone, while Enyimba are in seventh spot, and seven points adrift of leaders, Rangers with two matches to play.