The opening weekend of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season delivered some dramatic and surprising results.
Particularly, early statements of intent were made as Bayelsa United and newly-promoted Warri Wolves grabbed stunning away victories on Matchday One.
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The opening round, which featured fixtures across multiple venues nationwide, set the tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive NPFL campaigns in recent years.
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, Warri Wolves marked their return to top-flight football with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Katsina United.
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Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma struck the decisive goal in the 76th minute, sealing Wolves’ first away win of the season and making a bold statement on their comeback.
In Ibadan, Bayelsa United silenced Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) with a 30th-minute strike from Kehinde Lawal, earning a vital 1-0 win at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
The victory puts Bayelsa United among the early frontrunners in the new campaign.
Elsewhere, El-Kanemi Warriors impressed their home fans in Maiduguri with a commanding 2-0 win over Bendel Insurance.
Al’amin Umar converted a 49th-minute penalty before Daddy Abdulrahman doubled the lead in the 66th minute.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors defeated Kano Pillars 1-0 courtesy of Paul Samson’s 35th-minute effort, while Wikki Tourists, also newly promoted, celebrated their NPFL return with a 1-0 home win over Plateau United after Luis Dadong converted from the spot just before halftime.
At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Enyimba International were forced to settle for a goalless draw against debutants Barau FC, despite dominating possession.
The People’s Elephant finished the game with 10 men after defender Mujeeb Odufeso received a straight red card in the 87th minute.
Other matches ended in stalemates, with Enugu Rangers playing out a 0-0 draw against Kun Khalifat FC (another newly promoted team), while Kwara United and Ikorodu City also shared the spoils in another goalless affair.
The season officially began on 22 August with a curtain-raiser in Ikenne, where defending champions Remo Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Rivers United.
Matchday One Results
Remo Stars 1-1 Rivers United
Shooting Stars 0-1 Bayelsa United
Katsina United 0-1 Warri Wolves
Rangers International 0-0 Kun Khalifat
Kwara United 0-0 Ikorodu City
Barau FC 0-0 Enyimba International
El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Bendel Insurance
Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars
Wikki Tourists 1-0 Plateau United
Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United — rescheduled for 27 August
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What’s Next
Matchday Two promises more intriguing battles as teams seek to establish early momentum.
On 30 August, Bendel Insurance will host Shooting Stars in Benin, while other fixtures are scheduled for 31 August across multiple venues.
Key clashes include Kano Pillars against Wikki Tourists in Kano, Plateau United hosting Katsina United in Jos, and Warri Wolves facing Enugu Rangers at home. Remo Stars will travel to Owerri to face Kun Khalifat, while Rivers United welcome Kwara United to Port Harcourt.
Elsewhere, Ikorodu City will host El-Kanemi Warriors in Lagos, Bayelsa United take on Barau FC in Yenagoa, and Enyimba face Niger Tornadoes in Aba. Nasarawa United, meanwhile, will battle Abia Warriors in Lafia.
