The Euromatch NPFL Matchday 1 fixtures produced goals, dramatic late winners, penalty conversions and a rain-disrupted encounter as Nigeria’s top-flight league got underway in exciting fashion.
Several teams made strong statements on the opening weekend, with Rivers United, Ikorodu City, Barau FC, Doma United and Niger Tornadoes all recording important victories.
There was also late drama in Enugu and Ilorin, while heavy rain prevented Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat from completing their Matchday 1 encounter.
Shooting Stars edge Inter Lagos in Ibadan
The opening game of the new season pitched Oluyole Warriors against newly promoted Lagos based club in the first South-West derby of the season also.
Shooting Stars who will be competing in the CAF Confederation Cup this season, kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the visitors.
Lucky Emmanuel opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute, but Inter Lagos responded through Uchenna Njoku seven minutes later to restore parity.
Just when it appeared both sides would head into the break level, Shooting Stars were awarded a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time.
Sodiq Ibrahim converted from the spot in the 45+2nd minute to secure what proved to be the winning goal.
Ikorodu City come from behind to beat Ranchers Bees
Ikorodu City produced an impressive comeback to defeat Ranchers Bees 3-1.
Chiedozie Jude Okorie gave Ranchers Bees a dream start when he scored in the seventh minute.
However, Ikorodu City gradually found their rhythm and Umar Dan’Azumi equalised in the 30th minute.
The hosts completed the turnaround in first-half stoppage time when Abayomi Ayodeji put them ahead.
Ranchers Bees pushed for a response, but Ikorodu City sealed the three points in the 87th minute as Farouk Salami converted from the penalty spot.
Barau FC overpower Nasarawa United
Barau FC claimed one of the standout wins of the Euromatch NPFL Matchday 1 after beating Nasarawa United 3-1.
Joseph Atule gave Barau FC the lead in the 15th minute, but Nasarawa United quickly responded through Abubakar Abdullahi five minutes later.
The match remained delicately poised until the closing stages before Barau FC took control.
Al’Amin Umar restored the lead in the 78th minute, while Sugau Aliyu added a third four minutes later to complete an impressive victory.
Bendel Insurance overcome Warri Wolves
Bendel Insurance defeated Warri Wolves 2-1 in a fiercely contested Bendel derby encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Warri Wolves struck first through Eventus Itolowo in the fifth minute, putting Bendel Insurance under early pressure.
The Benin Arsenal later responded through Kayode Oke, who converted a penalty in the 20th minute to level the scores.
Alex Oweilayefa then scored shortly after the restart in the 47th minute to complete the comeback and hand Bendel Insurance all three points.
Rangers rescue a dramatic draw against Katsina United
There was late heartbreak for Katsina United as Rangers International snatched a 1-1 draw in dramatic circumstances.
Luis Dadong gave Katsina United the lead in the 38th minute, and the visitors appeared set to leave with a valuable victory.
However, Rangers continued searching for an equaliser and finally found one in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
Chibueze Oputa’s free-kick caused problems for Katsina goalkeeper Koroma, whose error allowed the ball into the net.
The late goal ensured the points were shared in one of the most dramatic finishes of Matchday 1.
Rivers United cruise past Plateau United
Rivers United made a confident start to the new campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Plateau United.
Abdulrasheed Dabai gave Rivers United an early breakthrough in the sixth minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Wasiu Falolu doubled the advantage in the 38th minute as Rivers United went into the interval with full control.
Plateau United were unable to find a way back in the second half as the hosts secured a clean sheet and maximum points.
Kwara United and Kano Pillars share four-goal thriller
Kwara United and Kano Pillars played out a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Kano Pillars took control of the first half, with Shola Abdulraheem opening the scoring in the 12th minute before experienced midfielder Rabiu Ali doubled the advantage in the 29th minute.
Kwara United staged a remarkable fightback after the break. Alex Jerry pulled one back in the 47th minute and continued to pose a threat throughout the second half.
With defeat looming, Jerry struck again in the seventh minute of stoppage time to rescue a dramatic point for Kwara United.
Niger Tornadoes stun Enyimba
Niger Tornadoes secured a valuable 2-1 victory over Enyimba in another entertaining Matchday 1 contest.
Aliyu Goyi opened the scoring for Niger Tornadoes in the 40th minute, giving the hosts a narrow advantage heading into the break.
Enyimba fought back through Wonah Williams, who equalised in the 71st minute and briefly appeared to have shifted the momentum in favour of the visitors.
However, Michael Olalusi struck in the 83rd minute to restore Niger Tornadoes’ lead and seal a memorable opening-day victory.
Doma United too strong for Sporting Lagos
Doma United started their campaign on a winning note after defeating Sporting Lagos 2-0.
Sadiq Rilwan opened the scoring after just eight minutes, giving the home side an early advantage.
Sporting Lagos attempted to find their way back into the contest, but Doma United remained organised and extended their lead through Daniel Simon in the 75th minute to secure all three points.
Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifat suspended by heavy rain
The meeting between Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat could not be completed after heavy rain disrupted proceedings in Aba.
The match was still goalless when it was washed out in the 73rd minute.
The remaining 17 minutes of the encounter are scheduled to be completed the following morning.
Euromatch NPFL Matchday 1 results
Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos
Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves
Rangers International 1-1 Katsina United
Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United
Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
