AT THIS PACE OF DECLINE, THE PHRASE, “Oh darkness my old friend” may soon become the reality of MFM FC.
Since they came into the professional football league in 2015, they have been a household name especially playing in their home ground (soccer temple) Agege. Gaining massive support around Agege and its environment.
MFM has produced lots of football stars like Stephen Odey, Ifeanyi, and Sikiru Olatunbosun, who scored a puska-worthy goal, and many more, even securing qualification for the most-priced CAF Champions League. After the heights of the champions League it has been nothing but decline.
What could have gone wrong for MFM FC?
They are currently 19th in the standings and their most recent draw was against Akwa United, has not help their plight. A result that may see the sole Lagos end up playing in NNL next season. Fans have been questioning if the change of home stadium is to blame for their awful performances this season. Earlier this season, MFM announced that they will move their home games to Mobolaji mini stadium and also Teslim Balogun stadium.
This change actually seems to have affected them because they were well familiar with their home soil, and with their massive home support backing them always, hardly did MFM lose a game at their home ground. However, at the moment they lose both home and away.
The suspension of their technical adviser Shola Balogun seems to be another factor telling on the performance of the team. Reports say he was sacked, yet the MFM media team’s official reports say he was only suspended. The whole uncertainty regarding this has also gotten the team disorganized and shaken.
The momentum of the team has been destabilized, and MFM who once qualified for the CAF Champions league is now languishing in the 19th position. Another disaster for MFM saw the League Management Company, LMC, land heavy punishments on MFM for breaching the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules in their Match against Enugu Rangers.
The club failed to provide maximum security for the referee, as the center referee was attacked on the field of play by some MFM supporters and officials. LMC has accused MFM for failing to protect the Officials of the game, which resulted in the breakdown of rules and order of the Beautiful Game.
As a result, the club have been sanctioned a hefty fee of 3.25 million naira for failing to provide security in the stadium, for the unsporting behavior of the players and supporters and also for allowing the supporters to encroach into the field of play.
Furthermore, MFM manager Geoffrey Aghogi has been suspended from all NPFL sporting activities for harassing the match officials in their Hotel rooms. This sanction could affect the performance of a team already struggling and languishing at the bottom of the NPFL League table.
In further woes, two MFM players, Jeffrey Isaac and Christian Molokwu, were also suspended for 12 matches for their involvement in the fracas.
MFM FC currently placed 19th on the Log with 30points and battling, will be playing Lobi stars in the Matchday 32, in a most win match to get themselves out of the relegation zone. After a disappointing and humiliating 5-Nil thrashing by League Leaders Rivers united in matchday 27, MFM looks like a weak team.
MFM FC’s fate in the NPFL League would now be determined by what they are able to salvage from their next seven fixtures.
Let catch a look at MFM next seven fixtures:
MFM FC vs Lobi Stars
Kastina United vs MFM FC
MFM FC vs Enyimba
Sunshine Stars vs MFM FC
MFM FC vs Niger Tornadoes
Kwara United vs MFM FC
MFM FC vs Nasarawa United
MFM have a big task ahead of them if they are to remain in the League next season. It remains to be seen if they can come up with a big surprise by waking up from their slumber and overturning their fortunes.
Do you think MFM FC would still be in the League come next season?
