Ikorodu City emerged as early leaders after a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Ranchers Bees. The Lagos side recovered from an early deficit to take all three points and sit top of the table on goal difference.
Full Matchday 1 results:
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos
- Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
- Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
- Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
- Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves
- Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United
- Rangers International 1-1 Katsina United
- Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United
- Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
Abia Warriors versus Kun Khalifat was abandoned at 0-0 in the 73rd minute because of heavy rainfall. The remaining 17 minutes are scheduled to be completed on Monday morning.
Shooting Stars set the tone on Friday with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium. Lucky Emmanuel and a penalty from Sodiq Ibrahim secured the points for the Oluyole Warriors.
On Sunday, Barau FC recorded one of the most emphatic results, beating Nasarawa United 3-1 in Kano. Rivers United also made a strong statement with a 2-0 home win over Plateau United, while Doma United defeated fellow promoted side Sporting Lagos by the same scoreline.
Niger Tornadoes produced a notable upset by defeating Enyimba 2-1 in Minna. Bendel Insurance edged the South-South derby against Warri Wolves 2-1.
Defending champions Rangers International were held to a 1-1 draw by Katsina United, needing a late equaliser to avoid an opening-day defeat. Kwara United staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to share the points 2-2 with Kano Pillars.
Ikorodu City recovered from conceding early against Ranchers Bees to win 3-1, with goals from Umar Dan’Azumi, Abayomi Ayodeji and a late penalty from Farouk Salami.
The opening weekend delivered goals, late drama and an early indication of the competitiveness expected throughout the EUROMATCH-NPFL season.