The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season got off to an entertaining start, with defending champions Rangers International forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United, while several clubs made impressive statements on Matchday 1.
Sports247 reports that Rangers, temporarily playing away from their traditional home at the Cathedral due to renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, hosted Katsina United at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
The defending champions entered the fixture with a strong recent record against Katsina United, having gone unbeaten in their previous four meetings without conceding.
However, the visitors produced a determined performance and came close to securing a memorable victory.
Katsina United looked set to claim maximum points before a late own goal handed Rangers an equaliser, forcing the champions to share the spoils in a dramatic finish.
The fixture also carried an interesting subplot, with Falolu Azeez having scored in Katsina United’s 4-3 victory over Rangers on April 7, 2025. Azeez has since joined Rangers.
Earlier on Friday, Shooting Stars made a winning start at the Lekan Salami Stadium, defeating newly promoted Inter Lagos 2-1.
The Oluyole Warriors secured maximum points in front of their home supporters to begin the campaign on a positive note.
Barau FC also impressed, defeating Nasarawa United 3-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Joseph Atule, Al’amin Umar and Sugau Aliyu found the net for the Maliya Boys, with Atule and Umar also contributing assists in an impressive team performance.
In Lagos, newly promoted Ranchers Bees suffered a 3-1 defeat to Ikorodu City. Dan Azumi, Ayodeji and Salami, who converted an 87th-minute penalty, were on target for the Oga Boys.
Bendel Insurance edged Warri Wolves 2-1 in another closely contested encounter, while Sporting Lagos endured a difficult return to the top flight, losing 2-0 away to Doma United.
In Ilorin, Kano Pillars and Kwara United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, while Niger Tornadoes defeated Enyimba International 2-1.
Rivers United also opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over United, completing an action-packed opening round.
With the first set of fixtures producing goals, late drama and notable results, the 2026/27 NPFL season has already provided early indications that the race for the title, continental places and survival could be fiercely contested.
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