The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season revved up into full throttle on Sunday with a blend of draws, shock wins and crucial goals as nine league games were played in various centres in the nation.
The opening weekend saw the newcomers into the NPF shining the most, as none of them lost, and some recorded victories that would remain etched in the history books.
On the weekend that a former goalkeeper of the national soccer team, Peter Rufai was laid to rest, the Nigerian league started with returnee, Wikki Tourists grabbing a home win over Plateau United. The duo of Barau and Kun-Khalifat, held to a goalless draw, top traditional teams like Enyimba and Rangers.
Warri Wolves caused the biggest upset of the first round of games, earning an away victory against Katsina United. Yet another shocking upset was witnessed in Ibadan where Shooting Stars tasted the bitter pill of defeat, slipping 1-0 to Bayelsa United.
Barau 0-0 Enyimba (Umuahia)
New boys Barau held their own against record champions Enyimba in Umuahia, earning a share of the spoils after the game finished in a barren draw. Despite having more possession of the ball, the two time CAF Champions League champions could not just break down the home team, who held on for a share of the points against their far more experienced and illustrious opponents, sparking euphoric celebrations in their fans at the blast of the final whistle.
Wikki Tourists 1-0 Plateau United
In Bauchi, Luis Dadong expertly converted from the penalty spot in the 44th minute to give Wikki Tourists all three points against their North-Central foes Plateau United.
Katsina United 0-1 Warri Wolves
NPFL returnee Warri Wolves signalled their return in style, grabbing maximum. points in Katsina, courtesy of a classic goal by Isaiah Evwierhurhoma ob 76th-minutes.
Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars
At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Paul Samson’s 35th-minute goal proved pivotal as Abia Warriors condemned Kano Pillars to defeat.. It was the first league outing for
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, in his new position as General Manager of Pillars
Rangers Int’l 0-0 Kun-Khalifat
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Rangers International were held to a frustrating barren draw by newcomers Kun-Khalifat, who looked impressive in their debut match in the Nigerian top-flight
Kwara United 0-0 Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
In Ilorin, Ikorodu City, held Kwara United to a goalless draw.
El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Bendel Insurance
In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors showed class and brilliance on the style in triumphing over Bendel Insurance with a 2-0 scoreline. Umar Al Amin scored the opener from the penalty spot after 48th minute before D. Abdulrahman guaranteed the victory with a beautiful goal halfway int the second half.
Shooting Stars 0-1 Bayelsa Utd
In Ibadan, Bayelsa United silenced the home crowd as Kehinde Lawal scored the lone goal of the match in the 30th minute, handing the travellers a famous road win over Shooting Stars.
RESULTS
Barau 0-0 Enyimba (Umuahia)
Wikki Tourists 1-0 Plateau Utd (Bauchi)
Katsina Utd 0-1 Warri Wolves (Katsina)
Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
Rangers Int’l 0-0 Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
Kwara Utd 0-0 Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
Shooting Stars 0-1 Bayelsa Utd (Ibadan).
