The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season got underway with home teams making strong starts, although several visiting sides gave their hosts plenty to worry about.
Shooting Stars of Ibadan set the tone for the home teams with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos in a South West derby that served as the season opener.
On Sunday, defending champions Enugu Rangers were forced to fight back to secure a 1-1 draw against Katsina United, while Kwara United staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to hold visiting Kano Pillars to a 2-2 draw.
Veteran Rabiu ‘Pele’ Ali scored Pillars’ second goal, but Alex Jerry struck in the 47th minute and deep into stoppage time to rescue a point for Kwara United.
Ikorodu City also came from behind to beat Ranchers Bees 3-1 in Lagos after the visitors took the lead seven minutes into the game.
Doma United recorded a 2-0 victory over fellow newly promoted side Sporting Lagos, while Bendel Insurance edged Warri Wolves 2-1 in the derby. Barau United also secured a 3-1 home win over Nasarawa United.
Last season’s runners-up, Rivers United, defeated visiting Plateau United 2-0, while the encounter between Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat was inconclusive due to rain. The remaining 17 minutes of the match have been scheduled to be played on Monday morning.
