Destined for the lower division of the Nigerian league, MFM no longer have their fate in their hands. And that is even before they host Niger Tornadoes in a MatchDay 36 of the Nigeria Professional Football League on Sunday.
If the Olukoya Boys win on Sunday and also do the same against Kwara United (away) and Nasarawa United (home) in their last fixtures of the season, they will end up with 45 points, which will not be enough to see them navigate out of the bottom four.
Katsina United, which occupy the last safe position, are already on 45 points and have a plus 12-goal advantage over MFM.
Six seasons ago, MFM survived relegation on the last day of the season, battling FC IfeanyiUbah to stay alive.
Three seats remain in the journey to the lower division, and the potential candidates include Dakkada FC, Heartland, Niger Tornadoes and Katsina United.
Heartland helped themselves on Saturday narrowly beating Sunshine Stars by a lone goal at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. The Naze Millionaires, who have had a troubled season, have Adejoh Ojonugwa to thank as his nod into the net from Chibuike Nwaiwu’s cross in the 37th minute proved decisive.
The victory keeps Heartland on top of the relegation zone.
In their delayed match, Dakkada scored twice against their visitors, Katsina United but have their position at the second from the bottom unchanged.
Israel Emmanuel struck as early as the sixth minute, while Unwana Asuquo sealed the victory in the 61st minute.
Abia Warriors appear to have escaped from trouble as they sent Gombe United back home empty-handed. Three goals arrived within the first 12 minutes with Valentine Odoh getting his first of a brace for the home side in the third minute, while Abdulazeez Yusuf levelled up in the ninth minute via the spot.
Paul Samson however restored the advantage for the Warriors in the 12th minute with no more goal in the first half.
Odoh banged in again 18 minutes after the break to ease pressure on Abia Warriors. But Kelechi Chimezie reduced the tally in the last minute of regulation time.
Abia Warriors now find themselves five steps above the drop zone having gained four steps.
Rangers’ hope of bypassing Remo Stars to third spot was dashed by old rivals Shooting Stars. Fans of the Flying Antelopes were already heading home believing the three points are safe in their kitty when Moses Omodumueke wrought a miracle. His two goals in the 73rd and 88th minutes cancelled those of the hosts.
Shedrack Asiegbu (44th) and Chidiebere Nwobodo (55th) had eased Rangers ahead.
Although Rangers are now level on points with Remo Stars, who are third on the log, the Ikenne-Remo team have goal difference advantage in addition to a game in hand.
