AFCON 2025
The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season is underway, and Matchday One produced an encouraging mix of goals, late drama and strong starts for some of the league’s newer sides.
The opening round began on Friday with Shooting Stars defeating newly promoted Inter Lagos 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. The remaining fixtures followed on Sunday, with the final game between Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat completed on Monday after rain interrupted play.
Defending champions Rangers were unable to begin their title defence with a victory, drawing 1-1 with Katsina United. Rangers needed a dramatic 90+7th-minute equaliser to rescue a point at home.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes claimed one of the weekend’s notable results, defeating nine-time champions Enyimba 2-1 in Minna.
Rivers United made a strong start with a 2-0 victory over Plateau United, while Doma United also opened their campaign with a 2-0 win against Sporting Lagos.
One of the biggest statements of the weekend came from Ikorodu City, who defeated promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The result gives Ikorodu City an early position among the teams to watch after finishing fourth in each of their first two NPFL seasons.
Newly promoted Barau FC also made an impressive top-flight debut, beating Nasarawa United 3-1.
At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Bendel Insurance edged Warri Wolves 2-1, while Kwara United and Kano Pillars played out one of the weekend’s most entertaining games; a 2-2 draw.
Kano Pillars had taken a two-goal lead before Kwara United fought back, with Alex Jerry scoring twice, including a stoppage-time equaliser. Veteran Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali was also on the scoresheet.
The final Matchday One fixture saw Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat draw 0-0 after their encounter was halted by rain on Sunday and completed on Monday.
NPFL Matchday 1 Results
Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
Rangers 1-1 Katsina United
Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United
Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves
Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat
