Match Preview – MFM FC v Tornadoes

By: Timothy Dehinbo

MFM FC tackle Niger Tornadoes at the Agege Stadium seeking to repeat their 2-0 home success last season/year.

The Olukoya Boys were promoted last season from the NNL into their maiden campaign in the top flight. They started impressively, winning their opening two games plus playing an eye catching and pleasing brand of possession
based football and were tipped by many to challenge for a spot in the upper echelons of the table, but it all
unravelled as they were embroiled in a relegation battle.

They had to depend on Plateau United to do them favours by holding Heartland FC to a draw on the final day of last season to prevent relegation after MFM did their part by defeating FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Agege Stadium despite the
visitors missing a second half penalty.

Hopefully, they would have learnt their lessons as reiterated by coach Fidelis Ilechukwu who said his team had learnt from the experience and moved on.

They’ve blostered their ranks with four new acquisitions. Suleiman Abdullah joined after the former Lobi Stars midfielder completed his move from Godwin Koko-Uwa led side including Sunshine Stars attacker, Gold
Busayo.

Taofeek Yakubu has joined from Ikorodu United to bolster the defence while John Okolie joined from Messiah FC. There have been business on the opposite end too as many as five players have left.

The most eye catching being midfield maestro, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi who marshaled the midfield last season. Musa Newman, Yisa Anifowoshe, Semiu Abatan and Timothy David have all left for the exit door too.

The club are still seeking further re-inforcements in the market
before the window slams shut.

Niger Tornadoes on their part have been active in pre-season games.They played out a goaless draw against Manu Garba’s led Gombe United on Tuesday.

This result was preceded by a 2-0 win against Nasara FC, and a 3-2 defeat to Standard FC as coach Abdullahi Usman Biffo intensifies preparations ahead of the weekend kick off as they seek to improve on last season’s 11th placed finish.

Abiodun Afolabi who spent five seasons at Kogi United has joined, with the former captain looking to strengthen the club in the right back position.

James Iko who is of Kogi descent is a centre back by trade and has joined too. As a first game of the season for both
sides, this game remains a tough one to call, as both sides’ll be eager to showcase the improvements attained in the transfer markets including that of pre-season training and friendlies.

Gone are the day when home teams hold the advantage playing at home, so a draw looks likely here.

However, MFM definitely does have what it takes to win this.

PREDICTION: MFM FC 1-1 NIGER TORNADOES