Odey scores goal 8th as Enyimba, MFM play draw

Enyimba were save from another embarrassment as they had to rely on a late goal from Ibrahim Mustapha to escape a first home defeat in this season’s Nigerian league on Saturday in a game that ended 1-1 against the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Football Club, Extrasportsnigeria.com reports.

Stephen Odey’s performance was a major highlight once again as he scored the opener on the 24th minute to make it his eighth goal of the season, and Ibrahim Mustapha got the equalizer for the former African champions four minutes from the end.

It was a missed opportunity for MFM as a win against Enyimba would have taken them, at least temporarily, to second in the league and on 22 points same as leaders Plateau United.

Enyimba have now gone five games without a win, with three losses and two draws.

Enyimba had their first decent chance at goal on 18 minutes. MFM failed to clear Mfon Udoh’s corner which fell kindly to Samson Gbadebo whose weak header was well held by Ospino Egbe in MFM’s goal.

Four minutes later, Odey should have given MFM the lead when Sikiru Olatunbosun lobbed the ball into his path inside the box but the striker could not get enough power on his header which was held by Fatau though he had the option of cushioning it with his chest before taking a pop.

Fatau was not to deny Odey on 24 minutes. Chukwuka Onuwa intercepted a clearance and slipped a pass to Odey who scored on the turn.

Enyimba continued to peg back MFM in the second half and five minutes into the restart, Stephen Chukwude did well to go past Shola Brossa in the box but lost his footing at the most crucial moment.

On 52 minutes, Mustapha headed Udoh’s cross straight at Egbe. Then Ikechukwu Ibenegbu and Chukwude took attempts at goal for Enyimba without hitting target.

Enyimba finally levelled the score with five minutes to the end when Mustapha adjusted himself to put away the ball with an overhead kick from close range.