Stephen Odey stole the limelight of the weekend after scoring his 9th and 10th goal of the season as MFM FC defeated table toppers Plateau United. It was his 10th goal in 10 NPFL matches this season and he surely is the most popular player in Agege and most likely across the federation. The home side needed an 88th minute penalty to grab all three points putting them in a good position to usurp Plateau United at the top if they win their outstanding match against Rivers United on Wednesday.

Odey’s goals may be on every one’s lips but the number of penalties recorded today had eyebrows raised. There were penalties awarded in 6 of the 8 centres on Matchday 14. Odey’s 88th minute goal was from the spot just like Ifeanyi Onuigbo’s added winner for FC IfeanyiUbah in Nnewi. El-kanemi Warriors fought back from 2-0 down and looked set to record another away point but that 92nd minute goal reduced their effort to nothing. Heart-breaking. Prince Aggreh grabbed the brace for the Anambra Warriors before Isiaka Olawale and Babaginda pulled El-Kanemi Warriors back.

In Ilorin, Stone Evbuomwan rescued ABS FC from a home defeat when his 83rd minute penalty rescued the Ilorin based side from the Elephants. Mfon Udoh’s 46th minute goal was cancelled out after Adeshina Gata was brought down in Enyimba’s box. Niger Tornadoes needed Ifeanyi Okoye’s 28th minute penalty to secure a 1-0 win over Akwa United.

Lobi Stars missed the chance to get three points over Nasarawa United after Kingsley Eduwo missed a penalty in the 81st minute. Wikki Tourists needed Peter Ambrose 80th minute goal to see off Katsina United 2-1. Victor Yakubu had given the home side the lead form the spot in the 4th minute before Destiny Ashadi equalized in the 47th minute. Wikki Tourists’ victory moves them away from the relegation to 14th place.

Shooting Stars earned the 5th consecutive draw in the NPFL when they fired blanks against Abia Warriors. They remain rooted in the relegation zone. Kano Pillars didn’t need penalties as they Gombe United 2-0. Musa Najare got a brace.

So MFM FC slipped to second on the table. They have cut the lead to just a point behind Plateau United. The heat is on the Jos based side. Will they slip?

By Chibuzor Amos