Former champions, Enyimba FC, last season's second-placed team, Remo Stars and Niger Tornadoes started their 2024/2025 of Nigeria Premier Football League season with wins away from home, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Enyimba International defeated Heartland FC 3-1 at the Dan Ayam Stadium, Owerri while Remo Stars beat Abia Warriors 2-0 in Umuahia. Niger Tornadoes beat Kwara United 1-0 at Kwara State Stadium Complex.
The People's Elephant had to come from behind to get maximum points after Suraj Lawal had put Heartland ahead on 53 minutes.
However, substitute Ifeanyi Ihemekwele who came in on 63 minutes scored on his debut after three minutes of coming.
Clinton Jephtha who had been a torn in the flesh of the Naze Millionaires in the game gave Enyimba the lead on 71 minutes.
Jephtha increased the lead two minutes later for his second of the lead and sealed the win for the Nine-time champions.
In Umuahia, two goals in the second half by Sodiq Ismail and Jide Fatokun earned the Sky Blue Stars a win over the Warriors.
Ikoh Allah Boys scored twice in the first and second half through Godstime Joseph on 32 minutes and Sabiu Ibrahim on 69 minutes before Sadeeq Yusuf pulled one back for the Harmony Boys inside 5 minutes of added time after the 90.
Full-Time Scores
Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars
Sunshine Stars 3-0 Bayelsa Utd
Nasarawa Utd 1-1 3SC
Heartland 1-3 Enyimba
Kwara Utd 1-2 Tornadoes
Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers Utd
Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City
Plateau Utd 1-0 Katsina Utd
Uche Dozie