Football
KweséESPN Reporter 7y

Midseason break to blame for MFM FC draw

MFM FC coach Fidelis Ilechukwu believes that inactivity is to blame for Sunday's 0-0 home draw against Akwa United in the opening game of the second round of the Nigeria Professional Football League.

The Lagos-based club won all of their home games during the first round of the season, but that run came to an end when they were held by United, failing to avenge their loss in the reverse fixture in Uyo.

Even though his side featured in a Lagos State FA Cup final against Spartans FC a fortnight ago, Ilechukwu feels the long midseason break coupled with his team's poor marksmanship cost them victory.

"I think the players are a little bit heavy but it's all about work," he told Complete Sports Nigeria. "I am not disappointed with the outcome of the game, I believe in the team.

"We had a lot of opportunities which we could have converted in the first half but we did not."

He also dismissed theories that his best players Sikiru Olatunbosun and Stephen Odey, who incidentally missed a penalty against Akwa United, could have been focused on Nigeria's upcoming international friendly against Corsica thus saving their legs for the game in Ajaccio.

"I don't think there's any distraction in the team against Akwa United," he added. "I wouldn't give that as an excuse. "I am very happy, that's the most important thing for now. Because having two players out of 20 teams in the Nigeria Premier League being called up for the Super Eagles, I think the opportunity is enough and I am happy for that."

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