The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season began in style on Sunday, delivering a mix of big wins, shock defeats, and tight battles as clubs jostled for early momentum in the campaign.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Match Day One fixtures were staged across multiple venues nationwide.
El-Kanemi Warriors kicked off their season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance, while Bayelsa United stunned hosts Shooting Stars 1-0 in Ibadan. Newly promoted Barau FC held giants Enyimba to a goalless draw in a hard-fought contest.
Wikki Tourist edged Plateau United 1-0, Abia Warriors secured a 1-0 win over Kano Pillars, and Enugu Rangers were held to a 0-0 draw by league newcomers Kun Khalifat.
Elsewhere, Kwara United and Ikorodu City played out a goalless stalemate, while Warri Wolves earned a 1-0 away win against Katsina United. Niger Tornadoes will complete the opening round when they face Nasarawa United on August 27.
The season had officially opened on August 22 with a 1-1 curtain-raiser between Remo Stars and Rivers United.
Attention now shifts to Match Day Two, with all fixtures set for 4 p.m. Bendel Insurance will host Shooting Stars in Benin on August 30, while the remaining games will be played on August 31.
Key fixtures include Kano Pillars against Wikki Tourist in Kano, Plateau United at home to Katsina United in Jos, and Warri Wolves entertaining Enugu Rangers. Kun Khalifat will welcome Remo Stars in Owerri, Rivers United will take on Kwara United in Port Harcourt, and Ikorodu City will host El-Kanemi Warriors in Lagos.
Other matches see Bayelsa United face Barau in Yenagoa, Enyimba clash with Niger Tornadoes in Aba, and Nasarawa United battle Abia Warriors in Lafia.
Four teams earned promotion to the top flight this season: Wikki Tourist, Barau, Warri Wolves, and Kun Khalifat. They replaced Heartland, Akwa United, Sunshine Stars, and Lobi Stars, who were relegated at the end of the last campaign.
The 2025/2026 NPFL season, which started on August 22, will run until May 24, 2026.
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