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The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off thrillingly this weekend with eight matches across various venues. Sunday’s action delivered four home wins, three away victories, and two draws, with 18 goals scored overall. The only goalless game took place between Bendel Insurance and Rivers United in Benin.
Olawale Scores First Goal of the Season
The season’s first goal came on Sunday, after Enugu Rangers and El Kanemi Warriors played out a goalless match last weekend. Plateau United defender Doyeni Olawale broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with a penalty, marking the season’s first goal and first penalty.
Big Wins in Ijebu, Umuahia, Ilorin, and Kano
Sunshine Stars, managed by Kennedy Boboye, began their campaign in style with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayelsa United in Ijebu. Seidu Salisu opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, followed by goals from Promise Awosanmi and Stephen Chukwude in the 54th and 74th minutes, respectively.
Remo Stars also secured a solid 2-0 away win over Abia Warriors in Umuahia. Despite missing head coach Daniel Ogunmodede, who is on duty with the Super Eagles, Remo Stars’ Ismail Sodiq broke the deadlock in the 49th minute, and Jide Fatokun doubled their lead in the 62nd minute.
In Kano, newcomers Ikorodu City faced a tough start to their NPFL journey, suffering a heavy 3-0 loss to the seasoned Kano Pillars. Muhammad Umar and Rabiu Ali, who netted twice, were the heroes for the four-time champions. Meanwhile, Kwara United were stunned at home, losing 1-2 to Niger Tornadoes.
Enyimba Take the Oriental Derby
Enyimba proved too strong for Heartland in the first Oriental Derby of the season, securing a 3-1 victory. Heartland initially took the lead through Lawal Suraju in the 54th minute, but their joy was short-lived as Enyimba responded with three quick goals. Substitute Ifeanyi Ihemekwele equalised in the 65th minute, before Clinton Jepheta completed the comeback with a brace in the 70th and 73rd minutes.
Draws and Red Cards
Rivers United became the first team of the season to receive a red card, with Bamidele Adeniyi sent off in the 53rd minute of their goalless draw with Bendel Insurance. In Lafia, Shooting Stars salvaged a point thanks to Samuel Ayanrinde’s late equaliser, which cancelled out Anas Yusuf’s 63rd-minute penalty for Nasarawa United.
Matchday 1 concludes on Monday, with Lobi Stars hosting Akwa United in Makurdi.
Matchday 1 Results:
- Heartland 1-3 Enyimba
- Sunshine Stars 3-0 Bayelsa United
- Kwara United 1-2 Niger Tornadoes
- Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers United
- Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars
- Plateau United 1-0 Katsina United
- Nasarawa United 1-1 Shooting Stars
- Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City
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