The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off with a mix of expected outcomes and surprising results, particularly from the newly promoted sides. Here’s a comprehensive roundup of the first week of action.
Week One Results
The opening weekend saw a variety of results, with a number of away wins and draws, signaling a potentially competitive season ahead.
- Remo Stars 1 – 1 Rivers United: The season officially began with a thrilling draw between the defending champions, Remo Stars, and Rivers United. This was a highly anticipated match, and it delivered a balanced contest.
- El-Kanemi Warriors 2 – 0 Bendel Insurance: El-Kanemi Warriors started their campaign in impressive fashion, securing the biggest win of the week with a 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance. This result puts them at the top of the early standings.
- Shooting Stars 0 – 1 Bayelsa United: In a significant upset, Shooting Stars, playing in front of their home fans, fell to a 1-0 defeat against Bayelsa United. A 30th-minute header by Kehinde Lawal was enough to seal the win for the visitors.
- Barau FC 0 – 0 Enyimba FC: Newly promoted Barau FC showed their resilience by holding former champions Enyimba FC to a goalless draw. This was a solid point for the newcomers against one of the league’s powerhouses.
- Wikki Tourists 1 – 0 Plateau United: Another promoted team, Wikki Tourists, made a winning return to the top flight, beating Plateau United by a lone goal. A 44th-minute penalty by Luis Dadong secured the three points.
- Abia Warriors 1 – 0 Kano Pillars: Abia Warriors edged out Kano Pillars with a 1-0 win, showcasing their intent for the season after a strong performance last term.
- Rangers International 0 – 0 Kun Khalifat FC: Another promoted side, Kun Khalifat, also earned a valuable point on the road, holding Rangers International to a goalless draw in Enugu.
- Katsina United 0 – 1 Warri Wolves: Warri Wolves, the fourth promoted team, pulled off a surprising away victory against Katsina United, with a 76th-minute goal by Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma.
- Kwara United 0 – 0 Ikorodu City FC: Kwara United were held to a draw at home by a resilient Ikorodu City FC.
Note: A match between Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United is scheduled to be played later in the week.
Most Outstanding Team of the Week
El-Kanemi Warriors
El-Kanemi Warriors’ 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance was the most dominant performance of the week. Not only did they secure the biggest win, but they also did so with a clean sheet, setting a strong tone for their season. Their performance demonstrated a well-organized defense and an effective attack, a combination that puts them in a great position early on.
Player of the Week
While official NPFL Player of the Week awards are typically announced later, a strong case can be made for Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma of Warri Wolves. His crucial 76th-minute goal against Katsina United not only secured an away victory for his newly promoted side but also handed an unexpected defeat to a well-established team. His goal was the difference-maker in a tight contest and highlighted the impact a single player can have.
Team of the Week (4-4-2 Formation)
Based on the performances across all matches, here is a provisional Team of the Week:
- Goalkeeper: Clinton Andy (Bayelsa United) – He was instrumental in his team’s away win against Shooting Stars, pulling off a number of crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.
- Defender: Luis Dadong (Wikki Tourists) – Scored the winning goal from the penalty spot and was a key part of the defense that kept a clean sheet for his promoted side.
- Defender: Godwin Eke (El-Kanemi Warriors) – Part of a rock-solid defense that helped secure the week’s biggest victory and a clean sheet.
- Defender: Sunday Okereke (Warri Wolves) – Contributed to an impressive away clean sheet against Katsina United.
- Defender: Emmanuel Akpan (Abia Warriors) – Played a vital role in his team’s clean sheet and narrow victory over Kano Pillars.
- Midfielder: Kehinde Lawal (Bayelsa United) – Scored the all-important winning goal for his team, showcasing his attacking prowess from the midfield.
- Midfielder: Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma (Warri Wolves) – Scored the winning goal that gave his team a shock away win.
- Midfielder: Ibrahim Nuhu (El-Kanemi Warriors) – Was a key presence in the midfield, contributing to his team’s dominant performance.
- Midfielder: Sani Suleiman (Barau FC) – A crucial part of the midfield that helped his promoted side hold Enyimba to a goalless draw.
- Forward: Ishaq Rafiu (Remo Stars) – Scored the goal for the defending champions in their season opener.
- Forward: Adewale Ayodele (El-Kanemi Warriors) – His goal for El-Kanemi Warriors contributed to their commanding 2-0 win.
