The EuroMatch NPFL has exploded into life, delivering a sensational opening weekend packed with 19 goals, dramatic comebacks, major upsets and last-gasp heroics as the 2026/27 season immediately served notice that nobody will have an easy ride this campaign.
From the champions being denied victory to Enyimba suffering a shock defeat, newly promoted sides making bold statements and late goals changing the outcome of matches,
Matchday One has already produced enough drama to suggest that the new EuroMatch NPFL season could be one of the most unpredictable and entertaining in recent years.
Nine matches were completed across the opening weekend, while the scheduled meeting between Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat was affected by rain and is to be completed later.
From Ibadan to Kano, Lagos to Minna and Port Harcourt to Abeokuta, the opening round provided plenty for supporters to talk about—and several early warnings for the established giants.
The season officially opened on Friday at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, where Shooting Stars defeated newly promoted Inter Lagos 2-1.
Lucky Gyang Emmanuel wrote his name into the history of the new campaign by scoring the first goal of the EuroMatch NPFL season in the 15th minute.
Inter Lagos captain Uchenna Njoku equalised seven minutes later, but Sodiq Ibrahim restored Shooting Stars’ advantage from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.
The Oluyole Warriors survived a late scare after substitute Mustapha Adams Agba’a missed a second-half penalty, his effort striking the post, but 3SC held on for three points.
The biggest shock of the weekend came in Minna, where Niger Tornadoes defeated nine-time champions Enyimba 2-1.
Aliyu Goyi put the hosts ahead in the 40th minute before Wonah Williams equalised for Enyimba in the 71st.
Michael Olalusi then delivered the decisive blow in the 83rd minute, giving Tornadoes a statement victory.
In Kano, newly promoted Barau FC announced themselves in style, defeating Nasarawa United 3-1. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 15th minute, only for Abubakar Abdullahi to equalise five minutes later.
Al’Amin Umar restored Barau’s lead in the 78th minute before Sugau Aliyu added the third four minutes later.
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Ikorodu City came from behind to defeat Ranchers Bees 3-1. The visitors struck first after seven minutes, but Umar Dan’Azumi equalised in the 30th minute before Abayomi Ayodeji put Ikorodu City ahead on the stroke of half-time. Farouk Salami completed the comeback from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.
In Benin City, Bendel Insurance also came from behind, defeating Warri Wolves 2-1 in a South-South battle.
Eventus Itolowo gave Wolves an early lead in the fifth minute, but Kayode Oke converted a penalty in the 20th minute to level the contest. Alex Oweilayefa then completed Insurance’s turnaround two minutes into the second half.
There was drama in Abeokuta as defending champions Rangers International were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United.
Luis Dadong put Katsina United ahead in the 38th minute, leaving the champions facing the prospect of beginning their title defence with defeat.
But Rangers rescued a point in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Chibueze Oputa’s effort found the net after a goalkeeping error.
The result means Rangers have started their championship defence without a victory, while Katsina United will take plenty of confidence from pushing the champions to the limit.
In Ilorin, Kwara United produced one of the weekend’s most dramatic comebacks, fighting back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars.
Former Kwara United midfielder Abdulraheem Shola gave Kano Pillars the lead in the 12th minute before veteran captain Rabiu Ali doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 29th minute.
Kwara United responded immediately after the break, with Alex Jerry pulling one back in the 47th minute before dramatically completing the comeback deep into stoppage time.
For Shola, the goal carried an additional emotional storyline. The Kano Pillars midfielder had returned to face his former club and later admitted that he found it difficult to celebrate his goal because of the respect he still has for Kwara United.
At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Rivers United made a powerful statement with a 2-0 victory over Plateau United. Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Wasiu Falolu doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, giving last season’s runners-up an ideal beginning.
Meanwhile, Doma United marked their return to the top flight with a 2-0 victory over Sporting Lagos. Sadiq Rilwan put Doma ahead in the eighth minute before Daniel Simon added the second in the 75th minute.
The results leave the opening round with several immediate talking points.
Rangers have already dropped points. Enyimba have lost. Barau FC have arrived with a statement. Ikorodu City have shown their ambition. Rivers United have started strongly. And the promoted clubs are refusing to be intimidated.
The opening weekend also produced a particularly strong showing from home teams, with several hosts either winning or rescuing points after falling behind.
Matchday One results
Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos
Scorers: Lucky Gyang Emmanuel 15′, Sodiq Ibrahim 45+2′ (pen) — Uchenna Njoku 22′.
Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United
Scorers: Joseph Atule 15′, Al’Amin Umar 78′, Sugau Aliyu 82′ — Abubakar Abdullahi 20′.
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves
Scorers: Kayode Oke 20′ (pen), Alex Oweilayefa 47′ — Eventus Itolowo 5′.
Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
Scorers: Sadiq Rilwan 8′, Daniel Simon 75′.
Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
Scorers: Umar Dan’Azumi 30′, Abayomi Ayodeji 45′, Farouk Salami 87′ (pen) — Ranchers Bees 7′.
Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
Scorers: Alex Jerry 47′, 90+7′ — Shola Abdulraheem 12′, Rabiu Ali 29′.
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
Scorers: Aliyu Goyi 40′, Michael Olalusi 83′ — Wonah Williams 71′.
Rangers 1-1 Katsina United
Scorers: Chibueze Oputa 90+7′ — Luis Dadong 38′.
Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United
Scorers: Abdulrasheed Dabai 6′, Wasiu Falolu 38′.
Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifat — postponed/unfinished due to rain.
The first chapter of the EuroMatch NPFL season has therefore delivered exactly what a new campaign needs: uncertainty.
The champions have already been tested. Traditional giants have stumbled. Newcomers have made their presence felt. And several players have immediately placed themselves in the spotlight.
But it is only Matchday One.
The title race has barely begun—and already, the EuroMatch NPFL is giving Nigerian football plenty to talk about.
