The 2020/2021 season of the Nigerian Professional Football League finally kick-started 9 months after the league was abruptly canceled due to the spread of coronavirus across the country.
After lots of consultation and politicking, the league eventually returned to action yesterday 27 December 2020 after NPFL fans watched 6 games go down on Sunday for matchday one of the 202/21 NPFL season.
Lagos state match center was not left out as the only NPFL club side in the state, MFM FC hosted the Sea siders, Warri Wolves at the Agege Soccer Temple, a venue that got approval late from the League Management Company, LMC to host NPFL games.
Both teams having had a not too loud pre-season preparation knew a lot was at stake on the first day of the new season. With the records favoring the guests more, having not lost to MFM FC in 4 previous meetings, the Olukoya Boys needed more than just a performance to put smiles on their fans’ faces.
With the referee kick-starting the match after the blast of his whistle for the first time, the hosts started to push for an early goal. This almost paid off after Wolves’ goal Keeper, Pwadadi Bulus was forced to make a fingertip save as early as the fourth minute.
The early pressure eventually paid off in the eighth minute as a new boy, Odeyemi Ebenezer found the back of the net after he was perfectly found in the box by left-back, Bala Akintunde. A free-kick had been won on the near side and it was well utilized by Tony Boulus men.
The goal opened up the defensive minds of Warri Wolves as they settled more into the game to find an equalizer. One-touch football from the visitors saw the defence of Olukoya Boys shake a little bit they remained steadfast.
Turning defense to attack in the 23rd minute, the home side broke the backbones of their guests as a cross cum shot from Muyiwa Balogun who was played through after a swift counter-attack gave Bulus no chance as he was rooted to the spot.
The second goal did not weigh Wolves down as they fought on to get a lifeline before the end of half time. John Paul Chinedu will answer that call as his shot beat MFM FC goalie, Adeniyi Bamidele. The build-up to the goal was a beauty as the Wolves played some sublime first touch football to break down the rock-solid MFM defense.
Chinedu’s goal would give Warri Wolves a spirit lift finishing the first half on a high as they hunt for a second goal to draw level. However, the men in purple stayed organized in defense to take a goal advantage into the half.
Tony Boulus was not taking any chances in the second half as he made two halftime substitutions to beef up his team and protect the one-goal lead. Left-back, Bala Akintunde, and Amoo Mumini were taken off for Olayinka Yusuf and Onyeama Odiuka.
After both sides could not convert any of the chances created in the early minutes of the second half, Warri Wolves coach, Evans Ogenyi threw on the fresh legs of Ridwan Agbabiaka as the goal scorer Paul Chinedu was taken off.
The match did not see a goal in the second 45 as the tactical battle of both coaches was evident in the field of play as the game remained balanced. The goalkeepers also made sure the match sees no goal in the period as they both made top-notch saves at both ends of the pitch.
The last sub from MFM sees clement Ogwu make way for Temini Adebayo as Tony Boulus tried to manage the one-goal lead his team had since the first 45.
Lucius Ozioma had the best chance of the second half to equalise for Warri Wolves after the ball fell kindly for him in the box from a deflected cross but his header lacked direction. Seconds after, he had another chance after being played through on goal but his efforts were way wide of the target.
At the end of the proceedings, MFM were full of jubilation as they recorded their first win over Warri Wolves in 5 previous meetings and got all three points in their first home game. 2-1, it ended at the Agege Soccer Temple on matchday 1 of the new season.
FULL RESULTS
Adamawa Utd 1️⃣➖1️⃣ Kano Pillars
14′ Rabiu Ali (KAN)
76’⚽ Isa Garba
Nasarawa Utd 2️⃣➖1️⃣ Wikki Tourist
5’⚽ Promise Damala (WIK)
7’⚽ Reuben Nicodemus (NAS)
52’⚽ Reuben Nicodemus (NAS)
Plateau Utd 0️⃣➖2️⃣ Kwara Utd
62’⚽ Jide Fatokun (KWR)
I
69’⚽ Michael Ohanu (KWR)
Jigawa GS 1️⃣➖0️⃣ Sunshine Stars
76’⚽ Onukwube S. Stone
FULL-TIME
FCIU 1️⃣➖0️⃣ Lobi
48’⚽ Nnoso Nzediegwu
FULL-TIME
MGM 2️⃣➖1️⃣ Wolves
7’⚽ Ebenezer Odeyemi (MFM)
23’⚽ Muyiwa Balogun (MFM)
27’⚽ John paul Chinedu (WAR)
