3rd June, 2010
When the fourth edition of Boska/LDFA Soccer Tournament began two months ago, nobody gave the football team of Mountain of Fire and Miracles, MFM, Yaba a chance to win the ultimate prize and the trophy at stake.
The MFM Football team registered for this year’s edition with the hope that they can reach the quarter final stage. Many football pundits believed that winning the cup would be a straight fight between the defending champions, Jah-United, Police Machine, My People FC and Labro FC. Unfortunately, none of these clubs got to the semi final stage of the grassroots competition sponsored by Orange Drugs Limited, maker of Boska.
When the hostilities began on 6 May, 2010 at the playground of Ikeja Cantonment, MFM had a slim 1-0 victory over Boulos FC to qualify for the Round of 64.
MFM, who shocked many big teams on their way to the final went ahead to record a1-0 victory over Indomitable FC in the second round. With the performance, the team gradually gained confidence as they humbled Stanley Global 3-1 in the Round of 16 to reach the quarter final stage.
The quarter final match against Labro was another tough encounter for MFM. Labro, who eliminated the defending champions Jah United in the second round, gave a good account of themselves. Their opening goal spurred MFM, Yaba, into action, as they came from behind to win the match 2-1 and sealed their passage to the semi final of the tourney, which reached its 4th edition this year.
Fate, however, pitched MFM Yaba, and MFM, Ikeja together in the semi final. The encounter, which ended one goal apiece at regulation time, went into penalty shootout in which MFM defeated their counterparts from Ikeja 5-3 to book a place in the final.
The final, which was played on Democracy Day, Saturday, 29 May, 2010 at the FIFA legacy football pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos saw MFM, Yaba and Lub-Bak fighting for the trophy and the N300,000 prize money for the winners.
Dignitaries at the event, including top management staff of the sponsoring company, enjoyed the soccer artistry on display by the young players, and no doubt, the final lived up to expectations.
Akeodi Ekine drew the first blood for MFM in the 28th minute. But it did not take Lub-Bak too long to equalise when Oluwaseyi Olowu scored in the 34th minute.
In the second half, MFM showed more commitment and doggedness as Ikechukwu Odega of MFM got the second goal to send their fans into wild jubilation.
Lub-Bak, who came to the match venue with a large number of fans, mounted pressure on their opponents and their efforts paid off when Akeem Salami scored the equaliser in the 78th minute to end the match 2-2 draw.
During the penalty shootout, MFM goalkeeper, Peter Okuntuyi became the match hero when he saved a penalty kick to end the match 6-5.
MFM coach, Fideliz Enechukwu expressed gratitude to God for the success of the team. He said the victory over Lub-Bak was well deserved and promised to defend the cup next edition.