Lagos-based MFM FC have lost the 4th edition of Nigeria’s most prestigious pre-season tournament, Gold Cup, to Lobi Stars 4-3 on penalties on Sunday evening in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The club’s Media Officer, Olawale Quadri, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday in Lagos.
The10-day invitational pre-season tournament was held at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode.
The statement added that MFM FC dominated the thrilling encounter with beautiful passes and dribbles from Onuwa Chukwuka, Stephen Odey, Sikiru Olatunbosun and Agbane Candy.
It noted that the Olukoya boys were able to assert themselves in the game but its opponent Lobi Stars soaked up the pressure.
The statement said the introduction of Cletus Itodo and Sunday Chris turned things around for the Makurdi-based side in the second half of the match as they gained more possession of the ball.
The statement said: “All the efforts of Lobi to break Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s defence were thwarted by MFM FC’s players.
“The Olukoya Boys had a penalty appeal waved by the referee when Henry Abara who came on for Odey in the 70th minute of the exchange was fouled inside Lobi box.
“The striker had only spent 13 minutes after his introduction as he was about to latch onto the ball when he was fouled.
“The breathtaking match ended 0-0 for both teams as they headed for a penalty shootout.”
It said MFM goalkeeper, Nasamu Emmanuel, pulled three great saves during the penalties, but his heroic performance could not save the day for his teammates as they failed to convert their spot kicks.
The Food Basket of the Nation’s team, who defeated Kano Pillars FC 3-1 in the semi-finals of the tournament, claimed the trophy with a 4-3 penalty win over Gold Cup debutants, MFM FC.
The statement stated that Ilechukwu and his wards will return to Lagos on Monday as they continue their preparations for the new NPFL season billed to kick off this December.
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