We’re ready for Spartan FC, MFM’s Ilechukwu declares

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club (MFM FC) Head Coach, Fidelis IIechukwu, has promised that his team will be ready for Spartan Football Club, as there are no small teams in FA Cup tournament.

Olukoya Boys will be facing conquerors of Dominion Hotspurs, Spartan, in today’s final match scheduled for Agege Stadium. MFM, the defending champion, beat Freestan FC 4-2 on penalties in the semi final to set up a final clash with the National Nationwide League side.

Speaking to The Guardian yesterday, IIechukwu said he foresees a tough encounter with a team that plays in a league also.

“We are going to go all out against Spartan FC because this is the FA Cup. The tournament is a dangerous one because this is where small teams have the opportunity to beat big teams as it happens everywhere.

“Spartan is not really a small team, as they play in a league also. I know that it is going to be a tough game, but we need to try our best to retain the cup we won last year.

“My boys are really tired as we are supposed to be resting after the end of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) first stanza. But because of the FA Cup, we had to push in order to defend the title we won last year. The team is motivated already, but thank God the second stanza for the NPFL has been extended and will now begin in two weeks time May 21. At least that will give us enough time to rest and start preparation before the NPFL starts again,” he said.

Speaking on NPFL’s highest goal scorer, Stephen Odey, who travelled recently to Europe for trials, Ilechukwu said the club has put the issue behind it.

“Stephen Odey is back with us. He went abroad for trials without informing us. As a manager, my duty is to manage success and crisis whichever that comes my way. I know he made that mistake as a young player.

“I am not going to throw him out of the team for that reason, but carry him along as a father. I believe such a mistake will not repeat itself again,” he stated.

Both MFM and Spartan FC have now qualified to fly the state’s flag at the national final by virtue of today’s encounter.