Seven matches. Twenty goals. Six wins (all by home sides).
These are the highlights of the opening day of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) kicked off on Saturday with fans having the option of watching the games, courtesy of live streaming.
Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, witnessed an eight-goal thriller as home side, Bayelsa United fought back thrice to send 2020/21 champions Akwa United back to Uyo empty-handed. The fixture ended 5-3 with Bayelsa United striker Robert Mizo banging in four goals; the last three in the last 10 minutes of the fixture.
Also on the score card were Seyi Oguntayo, who accounted for two goals of Akwa United’s goals, his team mate Mohammed Hadi and Bayelsa United’s Jerry Alex.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars lost concentration when they scored their second goal through Anayo Ogbonna in the 76th minute, allowing Plateau United to reduce the tally just as they restarted the game. Uche Onwuansanya’s was the last for the game as the Oluyole Warriors won their first match of the season 2-1.
Back to the top flight, Heartland gave their fans at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri cause to worry after conceding two first half goals to former champions Lobi Stars. Adebayo Waheeb (15 minute) and Francis Odinaka (37th) silenced the fans until Patrick Nowogbaga (73rd) and Ezekiel Bassey (87th) ensured that Heartland earned a point.
At Awka City Stadium, seven-time champions Rangers started the campaign on a winning note as Kalu Nweke ((29th minute) and Austin Onyemaechi (34th) ensured that the Flying Antelopes went on the break comfortable. Bidemi Owoku however reduced the advantage with 17th minutes to end the game.
Sunshine Stars and Katsina United were lone goal victors in their respective matches against Kano Pillars and Kwara United.
Saturday’s results: Bayelsa United 5-3 Akwa United, Rangers 2-1 Doma United, Heartland 2-2 Lobi Stars, Abia Warriors 1-0 Niger Tornadoes, Shooting Stars 2-1 Plateau United, Sunshine Stars 1-0 Kano Pillars, Katsina United 1-0 Kwara United
Monday’s fixture… Sporting Lagos v Gombe United
To be rescheduled…Enyimba v Bendel Insurance, Rivers United v Remo Stars (both postponed)
