In eight matches on Sunday, 18 goals were recorded as the Week 1 of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) were played in various centres.
There were two games with a scoreline of 3-0 each: Kano Pillars against Ikorodu City, and Sunshine versus Bayelsa United.
Three away wins were recorded as Enyimba came from behind to beat their hosts, Heartland 3-1 in Owerri; Niger Tornadoes also survived an initial scare and eventually overcame Kwara United 2-1 at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin; and Remo Stars scored twice without conceding against hosts Abia Warriors.
Eight days ago when the season got off the ground, El-Kanemi Warriors played goalless with defending champions Rangers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Awka, the Anambra State capital.
In Owerri on Sunday, Heartland, who were earlier condemned to the lower division having been relegated from the NPFL at the end of last season, were walloped by Enyimba. Suraju Lawal had placed the home side ahead in the 54th minute, but Ifeanyi Ihemekwele restored parity 11th minute later. Within three minutes, Clinton Jephta sealed Enyimba’s victrory as he banged in goals in the 70th and 73rd minutes.
Heartland replaced nd Limit Football Academy, who gained promotion to the top flight on ground of conflict of interest involving the club, which have same ownership as Remo Stars. Given that Heartland finished last season behind Doma United and Sporting Lagos, who were also relegated, NPFL explained that “Heartland FC met the requirements set by the NPFL board and was the only relegated club to express interest in filling the vacancy”.
Heartland versus Enyimba was the latest instalment of their Oriental derby, a rivalry that has produced many thrilling encounters over the years. The last time the two teams met was last November, Stephen Chukwude scored the winner for Enyimba in a closely contested match.
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, Kano Pillars overwhelmed new-on-the-blocks Ikorodu City 3-0 with a brace in the 69th and 79th minutes by Rabiu Ali, while Mustapha Umar had opened the floodgate in the 62nd minute.
Also in a 3-0 scoreline were Sunshine against Bayelsa United at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. On the score sheet were Seidu Salisu 44th minute), Promise Adesanmi (54th and) Stephen Chukwude 90th).
Pillars and Sunshine Stars are joint leaders after Matchday 1, unless Lobi Stars or Akwa United better their results after Monday’s fixture at Lafia Township Stadium featuring two former champions, Lobi Stars and Akwa United.
Last season’s runners-up Remo Stars recorded one of the three away wins of the day as they beat Abia Warriors 2-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia State. In the off season, the Ikenne-Remo side made 15 new signings. Coach Daniel Ogunmodede with Sodiq Ismail (49th minute) and (Idris Fatokun 62th) delivering the goals.
Niger Tornadoes went to Ilorin and conquered, thanks to goals from Joseph Godstime in the 32nd minute and Ibrahim Mohammed Sabiu (69th), while Sad’eeq Yusuf Ahmat got a consolation for the hosts in the second minute of added time.
At the Jos International Stadium in the Plateau State capital, Plateau United have Olawale Doyeni to thank for their lone goal triumph over Katsina United. He converted from the spot in the 24th minutes.
Shooting Stars, slightly missed continental football with their No. 4 placement last season, forced Nasarawa United to 1-1 Shooting Stars at the Lafia Township Stadium. Anas Yusuf put Nasarawa ahead in the 59th minute. But Daddy Abdulrahman rescued Shooting three minutes into added time.
Matchday 1 results:
Rangers 0-0 El-Kanemi (31 August)
Heartland 1-3 Enyimba
Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City
Sunshine 3-0 Bayelsa United
Kwara United 1-2 Niger Tornadoes
Nasarawa United 1-1 Shooting Stars
Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers United
Plateau United 1-0 Katsina United
Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars
Matchday 2 results
Heartland 1-3 Enyimba
Kano Pillars v Ikorodu City
Sunshine v Bayelsa United
Kwara United v Niger Tornadoes
Nasarawa United v Shooting Stars
Bendel Insurance v Rivers United
Plateau United v Katsina United
Abia Warriors v Remo Stars
Lobi Stars v Akwa United (Monday)
