Saturday, November 26, 2016

NPL FIXTURES: Bring on Pillars, Rangers, Enyimba- Ilechukwu

By Rasaq Oboirien
AS Nigeria Premier League clubs, coaches, players and indeed fans of the respective teams countdown to the new season fixture draws on October 10 at the Super 4 tourney in Enugu, Mountain of Fire FC of Lagos coach, Ilechukwu Fidelis says he expects a tough Week 1 tie, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.
The 'Working One' said:" I must say that I have been having sleepless night over it for the past three week; but there's nothing one can do as which ever team MFM FC will be paired against, we'll take it in good faith.
"So if it's Kano Pillars, defending champions, Rangers, Rivers United or Enyimba we won't be scared rather we'll prepare for such match with vigor and not to play them with too much respect."
He further stressed, "I also expect a very tough season as nearly all the teams have either changed coaches or have recruited massively with a view to get the needed results.
"On our part, we will use the Gold Cup pre-season tourney to beef up the team with experienced players as it won't be wise for us again to prosecute the new football season with grass-root players.
"That was the mistake we made during the second stanza of last season. So expect or fans should expect a mix of experienced and talented young players in MFM FC next season."
Recall the Olukoya Boys escaped relegation on the last game of last season when they defeated rich-spending FC Ifeanyi Ubah by a lone goal at a capacity filled Agege Stadium.
Talented attacking midfielder, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi scored the only goal of the game in the second half after Tamen Medrano had missed a first half penalty to put the Anambra Warriors a goal ahead.