The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off in style, with Matchday 1 producing shocking results, dramatic upsets, and resilient performances as newly promoted clubs held their own against Nigeria’s biggest sides.
The season opener on Friday set the tone at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, where defending champions Remo Stars began their campaign against last season’s runners-up Rivers United. The visitors stunned the hosts just three minutes in when Aniekeme Okon finished off a swift attacking move. But Remo’s new signing, Super Eagles striker Victor Mbaoma, restored parity in the ninth minute. Despite end-to-end action, both sides settled for a 1-1 draw, a result that underlined the fierce competition expected this season.
Sunday’s fixtures delivered even more drama. In Kastina, home fans were left disappointed as newly promoted Warri Wolves stunned Kastina United with a late winner from Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma in the 76th minute.
The shockwaves continued in Ibadan, where a capacity Lekan Salami Stadium crowd witnessed Bayelsa United silence Shooting Stars. Kehinde Lawal’s 30th-minute header sealed a 1-0 away victory, giving new Bayelsa boss Monday Odigie the perfect start while piling early pressure on Shooting Stars’ new coach, Nurudeen Aweroro.
In Kano, northern debutants Barau FC earned a credible goalless draw against eight-time champions Enyimba, showcasing defensive solidity in their first top-flight appearance. Over in Umuahia, Paul Samson’s 35th-minute strike gave Abia Warriors a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kano Pillars, while at the Cathedral in Enugu, 2024 champions Rangers International were frustrated to a 0-0 stalemate by another promoted side, Kun Khalifat FC.
Elsewhere, Kwara United played out another goalless draw against Ikorodu City in Ilorin, while Bauchi fans celebrated as Wikki Tourist marked their return to the NPFL with a 1-0 victory over Plateau United, courtesy of Luis Daddong’s 44th-minute penalty.
In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors got off to a flying start with a comfortable 2-0 win against Bendel Insurance. Al’amin Umar opened the scoring before Daddy Abdulrahman sealed the result, giving the home side early momentum in the campaign.
At the close of Matchday 1, the numbers told the story: 5 away draws, 2 away wins, and 3 home victories, a balanced opening weekend that showed no team will have it easy this season.
The NPFL resumes next weekend, with fans already bracing for more twists and surprises in what promises to be one of the most unpredictable campaigns in recent history.
