The new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season wasted no time in serving up drama, shocks, and talking points as the 2025/26 campaign got underway over the weekend.
The action kicked off on Friday, August 22, with defending champions Remo Stars SC facing Rivers United in the curtain-raiser. The highly anticipated clash ended in a 1-1 stalemate, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested season.
Sunday Shocks and Away Victories
At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, home fans went home disappointed as Shooting Stars fell 1-0 to Bayelsa United, courtesy of Kehinde Lawal’s decisive strike in the 30th minute.
There was more heartbreak for home supporters in Katsina, where Warri Wolves grabbed a late winner against Katsina United. Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma struck 14 minutes from time to secure a valuable 1-0 away victory.
Newcomers Make Their Mark
Promoted sides wasted no time proving they belong. Barau FC held nine-time champions Enyimba to a goalless draw in Kano, while Kun Khalifat frustrated former champions Rangers with another 0-0 result in Enugu. Both newcomers showed resilience and tactical discipline in their NPFL debuts.
Warriors Off to a Flying Start
In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors claimed a confident 2-0 win over Bendel Insurance, with Al’amin Umar and Daddy Abdulrahman finding the back of the net to delight the home fans.
Elsewhere, Kwara United and Ikorodu City battled to a goalless stalemate in Ilorin.
Matchday 1 Results at a Glance
• 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
