Duo tipped to inspire Chan Eagles

Sikiru Olatunbosun © Shengolpixs

by Sammy Wejinya

MFM FC head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu has tipped his attackers, Stephen Odey and Sikiru Olatubosun to make decisive contributions for Nigeria after they were called up to the squad to face either Benin or Togo in 2018 Africa Nations Championship (Chan) qualifying.

The duo received call ups from Nigeria’s chief coach, Salisu Yusuf on Monday and will team up with 28 others from different Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs for the tie
against West African opposition.

Ilechukwu says the two players are special and will help the Chan Eagles achieve set objectives.
“I refer to Olatubosun and Odey as the Cristiano Roanldo and Lionel Messi of Nigerian football,” Ilechukwu told supersport.com.

“I believe in them because they have strong character, good mentality and make quality decisions in matches.

“I have told them to go and do Nigeria proud because it is important since they are not just representing MFM FC anymore,” he said.

MFM FC, just two years old in Nigeria’s top flight, have punched above their weight in the NPFL this term.

Producing exhilarating football on a regular, the Lagos club currently occupy second position on the NPFL table, five points adrift of the leaders, Plateau United who have played a game more.

On Wednesday, MFM FC will be looking to close the gap on the leaders to two points with a win over relegation-haunted Rivers United in Port Harcourt and Ilechukwu is hoping his charges can produce a solid performance at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

“We come to Port Harcourt for a very tough game against a side with continental experience.
“It will be a game to be enjoyed (by the spectators) because the two sides play good football.

“MFM is a young team and we will be coming with the mind set of learning from a side that is obviously more experienced than us,” he said.