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The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season burst into action, with captivating Match Day 1 fixtures that delivered a mix of thrilling contests, unexpected results and individual brilliance across 10 matches.
From defending champions Remo Stars locking horns with Rivers United, here are the major talking points from the season’s opening fixtures.
Top-Two Serve Up Eye-Catching Spectacle
The highly anticipated clash between defending champions Remo Stars and last season’s runners-up Rivers United lived up to its billing, played at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The encounter saw Rivers United take an early lead in just the third minute through Aniekeme Okon, only for Victor Mbaoma to swiftly equalise for Remo Stars six minutes later.
The match settled into a tactical battle from then on, ending in a 1-1 draw that signalled a promising season ahead.
- Read more: Rivers United Hold Remo Stars In NPFL Opener
Aniekeme Okon Claims First Goal Honours
Rivers United winger Aniekeme Okon earned the distinction of scoring the first goal of the 2025/2026 NPFL season.
Okon’s impressive header after evading his marker found the back of the net early in the top-two clash, setting the tone for the campaign.
The Big Boys Stumble
While the top two shared points, several traditional powerhouses faltered in Matchweek 1, as Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), under new management, suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Bayelsa United.
The victory was courtesy of Kehinde Malik Lawal’s strike and a stellar performance by Bayelsa United goalkeeper Clinton Ezekiel.
Other big names like Rangers, Kano Pillars, Enyimba and Plateau United also failed to secure wins. Eight-time champions Rangers were held to a goalless draw by newcomers Kun Khalifat FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu State.
Kano Pillars and Plateau United both lost 1-0 to Abia Warriors and Wikki Tourists, respectively. Enyimba, despite finishing with ten men after Mujeeb Odufeso’s red card, managed a 0-0 draw against the new side, Barau FC.
Deja Vu For Aweroro?
For Shooting Stars’ (3SC’s) new head coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, the match-day 1 loss to Bayelsa United was a familiar experience, mirroring his debut defeat at Ikorodu City last season.
However, his previous stint saw him lead Ikorodu City to a six-match unbeaten run immediately after. Fans will be watching to see if Aweroro can replicate this turnaround with Shooting Stars in their challenging upcoming fixtures.
Shooting Stars will next face Bendel Insurance, Ikorodu City, Rivers United, Kun Khalifat FC, Warri Wolves and Plateau United.
Newcomers Show Grit
In contrast to the struggles of some established teams, all four newly promoted sides emerged from the opening weekend unbeaten, as Warri Wolves secured the most surprising result, snatching a 1-0 away win against Katsina United.
The late goal was courtesy of a strike from Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma.
Also, Kun Khalifat FC and Barau FC impressed by holding seasoned giants Rangers and Enyimba, respectively, to goalless draws.
Red Cards Mar Opening Day
The excitement of the opening day was slightly overshadowed by three red cards, as Rivers United captain Temple Emekayi, El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Zayyad Musa and Enyimba striker Mujeeb Odufeso were all sent off.
The trio of Emekayi, Zayyad and Odufeso will now miss the next three matches of their clubs.
Plenty Of Clean Sheets Recorded
Despite the goals and red cards, a notable statistic was the prevalence of clean sheets as twelve (12) goalkeepers kept their opponents scoreless, kicking off an early race for the safest hands award.
Among them were Ali Ishaku (Abia Warriors), Godswill Utum (Wikki Tourists), Vincent Edafe (Warri Wolves), Abine George (Rangers), Nsikak-Abong Akpan (Kun Khalifat FC), Suraj Ayeleso (Kwara United), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City), Hakeem Otuyiga (El-Kanemi Warriors), Clinton Ezekiel (Bayelsa United), Salim Ali (Barau FC), Kelvin Ogunga (Enyimba), and Ifeanyi Nchekube (Niger Tornadoes).
Terdoo Shimagande Haunts Former Club
The opening match week concluded with Niger Tornadoes securing a 1-0 victory against Nasarawa United, with Terdoo Shimagande scoring the decisive goal at the Kwara State Sports Stadium against his former club.
Shimagande, who played for Nasarawa United last season, dramatically opened his account, setting up an intriguing personal storyline for the season.
The first match day has certainly set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable NPFL season, promising more drama and memorable moments as teams battle for supremacy.
