The Matchday One of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off in style on Sunday with shock results, away victories, and hard-fought draws across match venues.
In Ibadan, Bayelsa United stunned Shooting Stars with a narrow 1-0 win. Kehinde Lawal’s well-placed strike in the 30th minute proved the difference, giving the visitors all three points.
Another away upset came in Katsina, where Warri Wolves edged Katsina United 1-0. Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute to hand Wolves a vital opening day victory.
Elsewhere, nine-time champions Enyimba International were held to a 0-0 draw by NPFL newcomers Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. Former champions Rangers also failed to impress, playing out a goalless draw with Kun Khalifat.
In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors defeated Bendel Insurance 2-0, with Al’amin Umar and Daddy Abdulrahman both getting on the scoresheet. At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Paul Samson’s 30th-minute strike sealed a 1-0 win for Abia Warriors over Kano Pillars.
Kwara United and Ikorodu City played out a goalless draw in Ilorin, while Wikki Tourist secured a narrow 1-0 home win against Plateau United. The day’s action wrapped up in Ikenne, where Remo Stars and Rivers United settled for a 1-1 draw in a thrilling contest.
According to a 9am News report, the NPFL season has already shown signs of being highly competitive, with both established clubs and newcomers displaying resilience and hunger.
Full NPFL 2025/26 Matchday One Results
- Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars
- Barau FC 0-0 Enyimba
- El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Bendel Insurance
- Kwara United 0-0 Ikorodu City
- Rangers 0-0 Kun Khalifat
- Shooting Stars 0-1 Bayelsa United
- Wikki Tourist 1-0 Plateau United
- Katsina United 0-1 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 1-1 Rivers United
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