The new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off with immense drama, featuring late equalisers and surprising upsets across the country.
Following Shooting Stars’ 2-1 victory over Inter Lagos in Ibadan during the season’s opener on Friday, reigning champions Rangers narrowly avoided an opening-day defeat by snatching a dramatic 1-1 draw against Katsina United.
Katsina United seized control seven minutes before halftime when Luis Dadong finished a brilliant team move. However, the Flying Antelopes displayed championship resilience when they equalised deep into stoppage time through Chibueze Oputa.
Meanwhile, nine-time league winners Enyimba suffered a bitter start to their domestic campaign in Minna. Niger Tornadoes edged out the Aba giants 2-1 in an entertaining battle at Bako Kontagora Stadium.
Aliyu Goyi put Tornadoes ahead before half-time, but Wonah Williams restored parity in the 71st minute. Michael Olalusi then netted a dramatic winner seven minutes from time to secure three precious points.
Goals, comebacks highlight action across NPFL venues
Elsewhere, Rivers United enjoyed a dominant start in Port Harcourt by overcoming Plateau United 2-0. Abdulrasheed Dabai and Wasiu Falolu both found the back of the net to seal a comfortable home win.
At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Barau FC made an emphatic statement by sweeping aside Nasarawa United 3-1. Joseph Atule, Al’Amin Umar, and Sugau Aliyu provided the goals, while Abubakar Abdullahi scored Nasarawa’s consolation.
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In Ilorin, Kwara United and Kano Pillars shared the points following an extraordinary four-goal thriller. Kano Pillars raced into a 2-0 lead through Shola Abdulraheem and Rabiu Ali before Alex Jerry bagged a heroic brace.
Additionally, Bendel Insurance came from behind at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to defeat Warri Wolves 2-1. Eventus Itolowo opened the scoring early before Kayode Oke and Alex Oweilayefa completed the hosts’ comeback.
Meanwhile, Doma United claimed bragging rights over Sporting Lagos with a 2-0 victory in Pantami.
Finally, Abia Warriors began their campaign with a goalless draw against Kun Khalifat FC at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
The match, which commenced on Sunday, was completed on Monday morning after heavy rainfall forced the game to be suspended.
Full Results
• Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos
• Barau 3-1 Nasarawa United
• Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
• Rangers 1-1 Katsina United
• Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
• Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
• Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
• Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United
• Bendel Insurance 2-1 Wolves
• Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat FC.
