The Matchday 1 of 2021-22 season of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) finally kicked off this past weekend with reigning champions Akwa United opening their title defence with a dominant 3-0 win over Kano Pillars.
Goals from Ezekiel Bassey, Stephen Chukwude and John Friday were enough to send Akwa United top of the NPFL.
Other results from Matchday 1 of the NPFL include:
MFM FC 0-2 Remo Stars
Second-half goals from Qudus Akanni and Andy Okpe gave newly-promoted Remo Stars a shock win over Lagos-based MFM FC
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Plateau United
An opening day of upsets, as newly-promoted Tornadoes pipped stalwarts Plateau United, courtesy of a 13th minute Kabir Adeniji strike.
Gombe United 0-0 Shooting Stars
The only promoted side not to win, ten-man Shootings stars held out for a goalless draw at Gombe.
you may also like: Court Orders South Africa’s Ex-President Jacob Zuma Back to Jail
NPFL Oriental Derby
Enyimba FC 2-1 Abia Warriors
NPFL powerhouse Enyimba edged out local rivals Abia Warriors in a 2-1 Oriental Derby win. Chigozi Obasi scored a 77th minute winner, after Warrior’s Paul Samson’s 50th minute strike cancelled out Ekene Awazie’s opening goal in the 34th minute.
Heartland Owerri 3-3 Nasarawa United
Heartland and Nasarawa shared the spoils in a highy eventful match that saw three penalties awarded, with one missed, a red card and the highest scoring match of the weekend so far.
Katsina United 1-2 Enugu Rangers
Ossy Martins was on form as he scored a goal in both halves to guide Rangers to a 2-1 away win at Katsina. The match was not without its controversy, as Katsina United had to release a statement denying that its fans held opposition players hostage.
Kwara United 3-0 Dakkada FC
A Stephen Jude brace, and Junior Lokosa strike secured a comfortable win for Kwara United over Dakkada
Lobi Stars 1-1 Rivers United FC
A 47th Minute strike from Lobi’s Barnabas Imenger cancelled out Rafiu Isahq’s 27th minute opener against Rivers United.
Sunshine Stars vs Wikki Tourist 4.00 pm December 20
NPFL Top Scorers
Ajibola Otegbeye (Nasarawa United) 2
Ossy Martins (Enugu Rangers) 2
Stephen Jude (Kwara United) 2
