Goals rain on NPFL’s opening day as Kwara United win at the Plateau

Enyimba, Abia Warriors match live on NTA on Wednesday
The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) after almost nine months absence with the strikers finding their form across the country.

With league starved Nigerians following the games online, Kwara United went to Jos to record the best result of the opening day, beating last season’s top team, Plateau United 2-0.

Plateau United was adjudged as the winner of the 2019/2020 season on the Point per game system and given the mandate to represent Nigerian in the CAF Champions League. Kwara United on the other hand escaped relegation the same season simply because the competition was called off due to the outbreak of COVID-19 with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ordering no demotion to the lower league or promotion to the elite class.

But the Ilorin side looked a changed team yesterday when they hit Plateau United 2-0 in Jos.

Kwara United opened scores in the 62nd minute when Jide Fatokun beat Plateau’s static defenders to head in a cross. Michael Ohanu made it two through another header in the 67th minute off a Kabir Balogun’s cross.

In Nnewi, Nonso Nzediegwu gave FC IfeanyiUbah the winner against Lobi Stars with a 47th minute strike, while Nasarawa United beat Wikki Tourists 2-1 in Lafia with goals from Reuben Nicodemus (7th and 52nd minute ) with Promise Damala (5th) replying once for the Bauchi side.

Stone Onukwube (78th) gave Jigawa Golden Stars a one-goal victory over Sunshine Stars, while Isa Garba’s equalizer ensured that Adamawa United and Kano Pillars shared the spoils. Rabiu Ali had given Kano Pillars the lead in the 13th minute before Garba came up with the leveler.

In Lagos, MFM beat Warri Wolves 2-1 with goals by Ebenezer Odeyemi (8th) and Muyiwa Balogun (23rd). John Paul Chinedu reduced the tally in the 27th minute, but try as they did, the Warri boys could not find the equaliser at the Soccer Temple.

Week One games continue today with Katsina United hosting Heartland, just as the first Uyo derby between Akwa United and Dakkada FC will hold at the Nest of Champions.

On Wednesday, Aba will be the venue for the Abia derby between Enyimba and Abia Warriors, while Rivers United will host Rangers in Port Harcourt.

The Abia derby, originally scheduled for today, was moved by 24 hours for broadcast reasons.

Although spectators won’t be allowed into the venue in observance of COVID-19 protocols, fans can enjoy live coverage of the game on the NPFL.tv app and on NTA.