Champions Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes yesterday recorded wins at Nasarawa United and Kwara United, respectively, while there were home wins for Akwa United, Wikki Tourists, Rivers United, FC Ifeanyiubah and Abia Warriors on the opening day of the new Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Heartland, back in the top flight after they were relegated the previous season, were held to a goalless draw by Sunshine Stars in Owerri and hosts Lobi Stars forced Enyimba to a 1-1 in Makurdi.
Match winner for Plateau United at Nasarawa United was Raphael Ayagwa, who hit target three minutes from time.
Niger Tornadoes scorers at Kwara United were Eric Frimpong after 11 minutes and Ibrahim Babawo on 49 minutes.
Akwa United were truly at home after they turned back Enugu Rangers 2-0 courtesy of debutants Kelly Kester and Dennis Nya, while Ivorian striker Guy Kuemian won it for Rivers United against visiting El Kanemi Warriors thanks to a 65th minute strike.
In Makurdi, Lobi salvaged a point in front of their home fans only after Ezekiel Mba’s penalty goal canceled Chinedu Udegha’s opener in the first half.
Nigeria’s Under-23 star Ndifreke Effiong helped himself to a brace for Abia Warriors to turn back MFM FC 2-0 in Umuahia, while former El Kanemi Warriors forward Nafiu Kabuga’s goal proved to be the difference between Wikki and newly promoted Go Round FC in Jos.
WEEK 1 RESULTS
SATURDAY
Katsina Utd 2-2 Kano Pillars
SUNDAY
Kwara Utd 0-2 N’Tornadoes
Abia Warriors 2-0 MFM FC
Wikki 1-0 Go-round
Akwa Utd 2-0 Rangers
Rivers Utd 1-0 El Kanemi
Heartland 0-0 Sunshine
FCIU 2-1 Yobe Stars
Lobi Stars 1-1 Enyimba
Nasarawa Utd 0-1 Plateau Utd