The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off with thrilling encounters across match centres, as fans witnessed goals, drama, and red cards on opening weekend. From milestone achievements to decisive away wins, Matchday One set the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign.
1. Ogunmodede Reaches 100 NPFL Matches
Remo Stars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede marked a major milestone, taking charge of his 100th NPFL match.
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The tactician, who has been instrumental in the rise of the Sky Blue Stars, reached the landmark in their 1-1 draw against Rivers United on Friday.
2. Aniekeme Okon Scores First Goal of the Season
The honour of scoring the first goal of the 2025/2026 NPFL season went to Aniekeme Okon, who found the back of the net in the league curtain-raiser between Remo Stars and Rivers United. The goal set the ball rolling for a weekend of exciting football.
3. First Penalty Goal of the Campaign
Wikki Tourists forward Luis Dadong converted the first penalty of the season, slotting home from the spot in the 44th minute to hand his side a 1-0 victory over Plateau United.
The strike proved decisive, earning the Bauchi side all three points.
4. Bayelsa United and Warri Wolves Seal Away Wins
Away sides made their mark on Matchday One, with Bayelsa United and Warri Wolves both recording impressive victories on the road.
Shooting Stars lost in front of their fans 0-1 Bayelsa United at the Adamasigba Stadium.
Kehinde Lawal’s 30th-minute header from a corner proved enough to silence the Oluyole Warriors at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Despite 3SC’s spirited fightback, the visitors held on, an initial setback on the rebuilding process on going at the club which wholesale change in the technical crew and management of the club.
Katsina United lost at home 0-1 to Warri Wolves courtesy of Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma who struck in the 76th minute to hand the Wolves all three points in Katsina.
A massive boost for the new opener in their bid to retain their NPFL status at the end of the season.
5. Red Cards Add Drama to Opener
Matchday One was not without its drama, as three players were shown red cards across different fixtures.
The most notable came late in Barau FC’s clash with Enyimba, where Mujeeb Odufeso was sent off in the 87th minute. The tie ended goalless.
Full Matchday One Results:
Remo Stars 1-1 Rivers United (Friday)
Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars
Wikki Tourists 1-0 Plateau United
Katsina United 0-1 Warri Wolves
Rangers 0-0 Kun Khalifat
Kwara United 0-0 Ikorodu City
El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Bendel Insurance
Shooting Stars 0-1 Bayelsa United
Barau FC 0-0 Enyimba
Upcoming Fixture (Wednesday):
Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United
The 2025/2026 NPFL season has only just begun, but Matchday One already delivered memorable talking points, setting the stage for a competitive 2025/26 campaign.
