The opening weekend of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2025 2026 season delivered tension, grit, and early statements, even if goals were hard to come by. Across nine matches, only eight goals were recorded, a surprising statistic for fans who had anticipated fireworks at the start of a new campaign.
It was a weekend that produced three home victories, two away wins, and four stalemates. For newly promoted teams, the results reflected mixed fortunes as they sought to announce their arrival in Nigeria’s topflight.
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Champions Held in Abeokuta
The season’s curtain-raiser saw defending champions Remo Stars settle for a 1-1 draw against Rivers United, their fiercest challenger from last term. The game sparked into life almost immediately, with Okon Aniekeme striking for Rivers United in the 3rd minute before Victor Mbaoma responded quickly in the 9th minute for Remo Stars. Despite both sides creating half chances, the deadlock could not be broken, leaving each with a point in a contest that already feels like a preview of the title race ahead.
Abia Warriors Claim First Goal of the Season
In Umuahia, Paul Samson’s 35th-minute strike was enough to seal a 1-0 victory for Abia Warriors over Kano Pillars. The result was a huge morale boost for the Warriors, who are aiming to push beyond mid-table this season.
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Mixed Fortunes for Newly Promoted Clubs
Among the promoted sides, Wikki Tourists and Warri Wolves enjoyed the best possible starts. In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists edged Plateau United 1-0 courtesy of Dadong L’s well-taken penalty in the 44th minute. Meanwhile, Warri Wolves shocked Katsina United on the road with a slim but priceless 1-0 win.
Elsewhere, Barau FC and Kun Khalifa had to settle for draws but will be satisfied with their resilience. Barau FC held eight-time champions Enyimba to a goalless stalemate in Kano, while Kun Khalifa announced their arrival on the big stage with a hard-fought point against Rangers in Enugu in what doubled as the first Oriental Derby of the season.
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El Kanemi Warriors Shine Bright
Maiduguri was alive with celebration as El Kanemi Warriors secured a commanding 2-0 win over Bendel Insurance. A penalty from Al Amin in the 50th minute and a composed finish from Abdulrahman in the 65th ensured all three points for the Warriors, who will be keen to build on their momentum.
Elsewhere in the NPFL
Bayelsa United pulled off an important away win in Ibadan, defeating Shooting Stars 1-0 thanks to a 30th-minute strike from Lawal. Kwara United and Ikorodu City shared the points in a goalless encounter, just as Rangers and Kun Khalifa also settled for a 0-0 draw in Enugu.
The only fixture outstanding from Matchweek One is the clash between Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United, scheduled for Wednesday.
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With just eight goals scored in the first round of fixtures, coaches will be looking for sharper attacking displays as the season progresses. Yet, the weekend reminded fans of the NPFL’s unpredictability, where every team, new or old, has the ability to upset the odds.
The stage is set, and as the campaign unfolds, supporters across the country will be eager to see whether Remo Stars can defend their crown or if a new challenger will rise.
