The new season of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) started with drama, close matches, and two big away wins, as Warri Wolves and Bayelsa United impressed on the first weekend.
Champions Remo Stars began their title defence on Friday with a 1-1 draw against Rivers United in Abeokuta.
That result set the tone for a very competitive weekend. Eight more matches were played at the same time on Sunday afternoon.
The biggest shock came in Ibadan, where Shooting Stars were beaten at home by Bayelsa United. Kehinde Lawal scored the only goal with a powerful header in the 30th minute, giving Bayelsa the perfect start to their season.
In Katsina, Warri Wolves waited patiently before grabbing a late winner. Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma scored in the 76th minute to beat Katsina United 1-0 — one of the hardest-fought wins of the day, showing Wolves mean business this season.
In other matches, Abia Warriors beat Kano Pillars 1-0. Paul Samson scored in the 35th minute, but there was late drama when Pillars thought they had equalised in injury time — only for the goal to be ruled offside.
Wikki Tourists also started strong, with Luis Dadong scoring a penalty just before half-time to beat Plateau United 1-0 in Bauchi.
El-Kanemi Warriors, who returned to the top division this season, put on a solid performance at home. Al’amin Umar scored a penalty early in the second half, and Daddy Abdulrahman added a second goal in the 66th minute. Even after Zayyad Musa was sent off late in the game, they still won 2-0 against Bendel Insurance.
The newly promoted teams had a tougher time.
Barau held nine-time champions Enyimba to a 0-0 draw, and Kun Khalifat earned a point away at Enugu Rangers. Kwara United and debut club Ikorodu City also ended goalless in a tight match.
Overall, the weekend belonged to Bayelsa United and Warri Wolves — both proving that winning away in the NPFL is still very difficult and very valuable.
NPFL 2025/26 – Opening Weekend Results
Friday, 22 August
Sunday, 24 August
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Abia Warriors 1–0 Kano Pillars
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Barau 0–0 Enyimba
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El-Kanemi Warriors 2–0 Bendel Insurance
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Enugu Rangers 0–0 Kun Khalifat
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Katsina United 0–1 Warri Wolves
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Kwara United 0–0 Ikorodu City
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Shooting Stars 0–1 Bayelsa United
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Wikki Tourists 1–0 Plateau United