The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season burst into life on Sunday with a mix of stalemates, shock victories and decisive strikes as nine matches were played across the country.

But it is the newcomers into the NPFL that shone the most, as none of them lost, and some had famous wins.  Returnee, Wikki Tourists had a home win over Plateau United. Others like Barau and Kun-Khalifat, held to a goalless draw, the traditional strongholds of Enyimba and Enugu Rangers.

But the biggest upset was by Warri Wolves getting an away win over Katsina United. Another upset was in Ibadan where Shooting Stars fell 1-0 at home to Bayelsa United. The highlights of the matches:

Barau 0-0 Enyimba (Umuahia)
Debutants Barau held their ground against record champions Enyimba International in Umuahia, securing a goalless draw that will feel like a victory for the newcomers. Enyimba dominated possession but could not break down the resilient hosts.

Wikki Tourists 1-0 Plateau United (Bauchi)
In Bauchi, Luis Dadong struck from the penalty spot in the 44th minute to hand Wikki Tourists a narrow but deserved victory over their North-Central rivals Plateau United.

Katsina United 0-1 Warri Wolves (Katsina)
Returning side Warri Wolves announced their NPFL comeback in style, claiming all three points away in Katsina thanks to Isaiah Evwierhurhoma’s clinical 76th-minute finish.

Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Paul Samson’s 35th-minute goal proved decisive as Abia Warriors stunned the legendary Kano Pillars. It was a disappointing first league outing for Ahmed Musa in his new role as Pillars’ General Manager.

Rangers Int’l 0-0 Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Rangers International were frustrated to a goalless draw by NPFL newcomers Kun-Khalifat, who impressed in their maiden top-flight appearance.

Kwara United 0-0 Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
In Ilorin, Ikorodu City picked up a valuable point on their NPFL debut, holding Kwara United to a goalless encounter in a tight midfield battle.

El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
El-Kanemi Warriors turned on the style in Maiduguri, defeating Bendel Insurance 2-0. Umar Al Amin opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 48th minute before D. Abdulrahman sealed the win with a fine strike midway through the second half.

Shooting Stars 0-1 Bayelsa United (Ibadan)
In Ibadan, Bayelsa United silenced the home crowd as Kehinde Lawal netted the only goal of the game in the 30th minute, giving the visitors a famous win over Shooting Stars.

Results

• Barau 0-0 Enyimba (Umuahia)
• Wikki Tourists 1-0 Plateau United (Bauchi)
• Katsina United 0-1 Warri Wolves (Katsina)
• Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
• Rangers Int’l  0-0 Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
• Kwara United 0-0 Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
• El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
• Shooting Stars 0-1 Bayelsa United (Ibadan)

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Ruben Amorim said his Manchester United players abandoned their attacking principles after taking the lead against Fulham, claiming their defensive mentality cost them victory in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Craven Cottage.

United scored through an own goal off Rodrigo Muniz’s back, but surrendered their advantage when Fulham substitute Emile Smith Rowe struck 93 seconds after entering the fray.

The result leaves the visitors with a solitary point from their opening two Premier League matches.

“We scored the goal and then we forgot about how we play. We want to win so badly and that is a good feeling, that we scored a goal and everyone on the pitch was thinking, ‘Let’s hold onto the advantage and try to win the game’,” Amorim told the BBC.

“For me that is the moment that we have to enjoy more and push the opponent. We tried to press the opponent super high and left a lot of space.

“We have to grow up a lot as a team. For me the most important thing is that during the week they were working really hard. Today we worked really hard and we are going to improve. The moment that changed the game was our goal.”

A pivotal moment in the first half saw United skipper Bruno Fernandes miss a penalty that was awarded after a VAR check, with the playmaker sending it high over the bar.

It marked the fifth time he has missed a penalty since his Premier League debut in 2020.

“I think he is not used to missing penalties. He knows the importance, that this moment can have a huge impact on the team,” Amorim told Sky Sports.

“During the game he was not happy because he was not involved and he has so much responsibility and I think he thought missing the penalty was huge for us.”

Despite already trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points early in the campaign, Amorim remained bullish about United’s prospects in the league.

“We just want to win games. The players know they are playing in a club where they need to be better,” he said.

-Reuters

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By KUNLE SOLAJA.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) roars fully into action this Sunday with ninefixtures spread across the country, as the 2024/25 season begins to take shape.

The campaign officially kicked off on Friday night when champions Remo Stars were held to a 1-1 draw at home by last season’s runners-up Rivers United. Now, attention turns to the rest of the league, with heavyweight clashes, fierce derbies, and tricky tests for newcomers on the opening weekend.

Barau vs Enyimba (Umuahia)
League debutants Barau face a baptism of fire as they welcome record champions Enyimba International. The People’s Elephant, boasting a history of dominance, are tipped to start strong, but the hosts will hope home advantage sparks an upset.

Wikki Tourists vs Plateau United (Bauchi)
North-Central pride is on the line when Wikki Tourists meet Plateau United in Bauchi. Always a fiery fixture, Wikki’s grit will be up against Plateau’s pedigree as former champions.

Katsina United vs Warri Wolves (Katsina)
Newly promoted Warri Wolves mark their NPFL return away to Katsina United. The Wolves will be keen to announce their comeback with a statement result, but Katsina remain formidable at home.

Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors take on the legendary Kano Pillars. The spotlight will be on Ahmed Musa, making his debut outing as General Manager of Pillars. With Pillars banking on tradition and a passionate fan base, the Warriors will be eager to remind everyone of their giant-killing reputation.

Rangers Int’l vs Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium sets the stage as Rangers International host newcomers Kun-Khalifat of Imo State, one of four private clubs in this season’s NPFL. Rangers, with their rich history, will look to kick off in style, while the spotlight is firmly on how Kun-Khalifat adapt to top-flight football.

Kwara United vs Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
In Ilorin, Kwara United face Lagos-based Ikorodu City, who are making their NPFL debut after narrowly missing out on continental football last term. The newcomers face a stern opening test against Kwara’s experienced side.

El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
Maiduguri hosts a heavyweight clash as El-Kanemi Warriors take on traditional giants Bendel Insurance. Insurance, renowned for their pedigree, must navigate a notoriously difficult away ground.

Shooting Stars vs Bayelsa United (Ibadan)
The Oluyole Warriors, Shooting Stars (3SC), kick off their campaign at home to Bayelsa United in Ibadan. With their history and fan culture, 3SC aim to relive their glory days, while Bayelsa—FA Cup specialists—are determined to prove their league credentials.

With fixtures scattered from Maiduguri to Ibadan, Umuahia to Bauchi, Sunday promises a thrilling showcase of Nigerian football’s diversity and passion as the NPFL season gets into full swing.

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