By Joshua Tekideki
Promise Damala and Chinedu Udeagha were on target for Wikki Tourist as the Bauchi team defeated MFM FC by two goals to nil in one of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) MatchDay 8 fixtures.
The duo are their teams joint top scorers with three goals each.
Damala’s goal came in the 29th minute while Udeagha got his on 70th minute from a penalty awarded his side.
Coach Usman Bashir Abdallah made three changes from his last matchday squad. Andrew Abalogu, Mustapha Abdallah and Chinedu Udeagha were named ahead of Olayinka Onoadapo, Madu Arinze and Bright Emmanuel, while MFM FC named a new team from the one that played a draw against Kwara United.
Much of the game was played in the midfield with few chances created and far between.
One of such chances was Mathew Emmanuel’s low cross from the right for Promise Damala who fired in a low shot.
And the forward said they are working hard to meet the target.
‘When you score and your team wins, it gives you Joy. We are trying our best to see the team move ahead and we have a target which is continental’
With possession balanced, the visitors had forward Micheal Mbonu isolated upward while the skillful Imem Atobasi won them a lot of free kicks which were poorly taken.
At the back, Onyekachi Ifeanyi was a solid rock as the defender won duels and made block shots but he however committed a foul inside the box when he brought down substitute Abiodun Thompson. Chinedu Udeagha converted the penalty, sending Osayi Kingdom the wrong side.
The former Lobi stars player would attribute his recent performances to his coach whom he said is the reason for his good run.
“He is a wonderful coach, he is bringing back the Chinedu we used to know’, he declared post match.
There were nervy moments and referee Madaki Malik had to send MFN assistant coach to the dressing room following a side line protest over a decision which did not go there way.
Wikki will travel to Lobi Stars for MatchDay 9 while MFM will host Heartland at Agege.
Team list.
Wikki: Stanley Nwabali, Andrew Abalogu, Mustapha Abdallah, Ismail Maiyaki, Ambrose Peter, Salisu Adamu, Idris Mohammed Guda(Abiodun Thompson 47′), Chinedu Udeagha, Mathew Emmanuel(Bright Emmanuel 47′), Nazifi Yahaya, Promise Damala(Freedom Omofowan 82′)
Sub not used: Alladour Kolimba, Olayinka Onoadapo, Joel Djondang.
MFM: Osayi Kingdom, Onyema Odiuka, Zachariah Justice, Temim Adebayo, Oladapo Alabi, Imem Atobasi(Izuchukwu Chimeze 70′), Tunde Azeez, Micheal Mbonu, Alimi Olalekan, Onyebuchi Ifeanyi(Dennis Obasi70′), Kenedinum Nelson(Sunday Olatunji 60′).
Sub not used: Adeniyi Bamidele, Oshimo Olalekan, Ojifiete Desmond, Mumuni Amoo
Gabriel Olalekan is the assistant coach that was red carded.
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