‘We came here to win’ – MFM’s Festus Allen not satisfied with Akwa United draw

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Head Coach of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM FC), Festus Allen says his side came to Uyo with the aim of picking three points against Akwa United on Wednesday.

MFM held Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) titleholders, Akwa United to a goalless draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to boost their chances of escaping relegation this season.

The Lagos side are second from bottom in a 20-team league with 32 points 31 matches, four points behind Niger Tornadoes in 16th and two behind Dakkada FC who are bottom of the table.

Speaking to journalists after his team avoided another defeat on the road, Allen says his team went to Uyo with the hope of winning the match.

“Our game plan was to score within 15 minutes of the game, heap the pressure on Akwa United, we did not come here for a draw, we came here for a win.

“They controlled possession more than we did, we played one of the best teams in Nigeria and Africa, but we were able to keep them at bay.

“We knew Akwa United plays on the wing, we tried to stop them from doing that, we cannot measure with them technically because they are above us, but tactically, we attacked cautiously and we’ve gotten a result here.”

Since his appointment in May, MFM FC has seen a change in their fortune, going four matches without a defeat, picking up two wins in Ijebu Ode against Kano Pillars and Gombe United while also picking crucial points against Shooting Stars and Akwa United.

Festus Allen believes his side can avoid relegation.

“We’ve played four matches since I came in, as a coach you prove yourself with the challenges facing you. We’ve played two away matches against 3SC and a star-studded Akwa United without defeats, so I believe we can get ourselves out of the relegation places.

“My players are good enough to remain in the NPFL, a coach should be able to know who a player is, you cannot just throw them away, there are very good players in the team and we will work together to remain in the league.”

The Yaweh Boys will want to continue their recent form this weekend when they welcome Lobi Stars of Makurdi to the Ijebu Ode Stadium on Sunday.

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