NPFL Matchday 1 Produces Early Shocks as Enyimba Lose, Rivers United Win, Rangers Held
By Cynthia Okere
The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season has opened with early surprises as nine-time champions Enyimba suffered defeat, Rivers United began with maximum points and defending champions Rangers International were forced to settle for a draw.
Niger Tornadoes produced one of the standout results of Matchday 1, defeating Enyimba 2-1 at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna on Sunday.
The result handed the Aba giants an early setback in a campaign in which they will be seeking a significant improvement, while Tornadoes picked up three valuable points from their opening fixture.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United made a convincing start to the new season with a 2-0 victory over Plateau United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
Abdulrasheed Dabai gave Rivers United the lead in the sixth minute before Wasiu Falolu doubled the advantage in the 38th minute. The hosts protected the lead through the second half to secure all three points and a clean sheet.
The victory was particularly significant for Finidi George’s side after Rivers United finished runners-up to Rangers by just one point in the 2025/26 title race.
Defending champions Rangers, however, were made to work for their first point of the campaign after being held to a 1-1 draw by Katsina United at their adopted home ground in Abeokuta.
Katsina United took the lead through Luis Dadong in the 38th minute and appeared on course for an away victory before Chibueze Oputa rescued Rangers with a stoppage-time equaliser.
Elsewhere, Ikorodu City recovered from an early setback to defeat newly promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Ranchers Bees struck first before Umar Dan’Azumi restored parity for Ikorodu City. Abayomi Ayodeji put the Lagos side ahead before Farouk Salami converted a late penalty to complete the victory.
Barau FC also recorded a 3-1 victory over Nasarawa United, while Doma United marked their return to the top flight with a 2-0 win over fellow promoted side Sporting Lagos.
Bendel Insurance defeated Warri Wolves 2-1, while Kwara United and Kano Pillars shared the points in a 2-2 draw. Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat played out a goalless draw.
The 2026/27 campaign had officially kicked off on Friday, August 28, when Shooting Stars defeated newly promoted Inter Lagos 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
The opening results leave several clubs with early momentum, while Enyimba and other teams that dropped points will be looking for a quick response when Matchday 2 gets underway.
NPFL Matchday 1 Results
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos
- Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
- Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United
- Rangers International 1-1 Katsina United
- Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
- Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United
- Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
- Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves
- Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
- Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat