Who won the EuroMatchNPFL 2026/27 Action Packed Opening Match Day?

 BY ABRAHAM JOSEPH, Correspondent

Evergreen star, Rabiu Ali, maintained his tradition of scoring in every NPFL season since 2007.

 

The Euro Match 2026/27 NPFL season could hardly have asked for a more eventful opening round.

Matchday One produced seven victories, two draws and one suspended fixture, with late goals, comebacks, penalty drama and impressive starts from some of the league’s new arrivals all featuring across the weekend.

Abraham Joseph takes a look at the winners of match day one.

 

Ibadan:

SHOOTING STARS BEGIN WITH A LONG-AWAITED WIN

The Oluyole Warriors got the campaign underway on Friday with a 2–1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

Lucky Gyang Emmanuel put the hosts in front in the 15th minute, but the visitors responded almost immediately.

Inter Lagos captain Uchenna Njoku restored parity seven minutes later.

Shooting Stars, however, went into the interval ahead after Sodiq Ibrahim converted a penalty.

The home side held on for the victory, although they had another opportunity from the spot late in the match and failed to convert it.

For the Oluyole Warriors, the result was particularly significant because it ended a three-season wait for an opening-day victory.

FT: SHOOTING STARS 2–1 INTER LAGOS

 

Kano:

BARAU FC MAKE A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION

Barau FC also started their NPFL campaign on a winning note, overcoming Nasarawa United 3–1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The game was finely balanced at 1–1 when the newcomers were awarded a penalty in the 65th minute.

Joseph Atule stepped forward, but Nasarawa United goalkeeper Olughu kept him out.

Rather than allowing the missed penalty to change the direction of the game, Barau maintained their pressure and eventually pulled away to claim a convincing victory.

It was an encouraging opening for a side making its mark in the NPFL.

FT: BARAU FC 3–1 NASARAWA UNITED

 

Benin-City: BENDEL INSURANCE TURNSTHE GAME AROUND

There was another comeback in Benin City, where Bendel Insurance recovered from an early setback to defeat Warri Wolves 2–1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

The visitors needed only five minutes to take the lead, with Eventus Itolowo finding the net.

The Benin Arsenal responded in the 20th minute when Kayode Oke converted from the penalty spot.

Two minutes after the restart, Alex Oweilayefa completed the turnaround.

FT: BENDEL INSURANCE 2–1 WARRI WOLVES

 

 

 

Abeokuta:

RANGERS RESCUED BY A LATE EQUALISER

The defending champions had to settle for a point in their opening fixture after Katsina United pushed them all the way at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

Luis Dadong gave the visitors the lead in the 38th minute, and Katsina United looked increasingly likely to leave with all three points.

But Rangers produced a dramatic late response.

Chibueze Oputa scored in the 90+7th minute to ensure the champions avoided defeat.

The result leaves the reigning champions with one point from their first game of the title defence.

There is also an interesting story behind the venue.

Rangers are playing in Abeokuta because their home ground in Enugu is currently undergoing renovation.

That means the defending champions have now started their title defence at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena for two consecutive seasons.

Last season, Remo Stars were in the same situation, using the Abeokuta stadium while renovation work was taking place at their home in Ikenne.

FT: RANGERS 1–1 KATSINA UNITED

 

Minna:

NIGER TORNADOES SPOIL ENYIMBA’S LANDMARK CAMPAIGN

Enyimba’s 50th season began with disappointment as Niger Tornadoes secured a 2–1 victory at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.

The hosts opened the scoring through Aliyu Goyi before the People’s Elephant fought their way back into the match.

However, the Minna side produced another goal late in the contest to take all three points.

For Enyimba, the defeat was an unfortunate way to begin such a significant campaign.

The Aba giants are marking their 50th season as a club, but they will now have to look ahead to their next fixture.

FT: NIGER TORNADOES 2–1 ENYIMBA

 

Lagos:

IKORODU CITY CAPTURE BEES

It was the first visit of Ranchers Bees as a top flight team to Lagos in over two decades!

Ranchers Bees took the lead at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, but the hosts responded impressively.

Ikorodu City eventually turned the match around and finished with a 3–1 victory.

It was an important opening result for the Lagos side and an encouraging beginning to their NPFL campaign.

FT: IKORODU CITY 3–1 RANCHERS BEES

 

 

Gombe:

DOMA UNITED STOP SPORTING LAGOS

Doma United also marked their return to the top flight with a victory.

The Gombe-based side defeated Sporting Lagos 2–0 at the Pantami Stadium.

Sadiq Rilwan opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Daniel Simon added the second in the 75th minute.

It was a composed performance from Doma United and an excellent way to announce their return to the NPFL.

FT: DOMA UNITED 2–0 SPORTING LAGOS

 

 

 

Ilorin:

KWARA UNITED PRODUCE STUNNING LATE COMEBACK

One of the most dramatic matches of the weekend took place in Ilorin.

Kano Pillars appeared to have the game under control after Shola Abdulraheem and Rabiu Ali gave them a 2–0 advantage against Kwara United at the Kwara State Stadium.

The Ilorin fans were happy to see the legendary Ali who produced something the fans won’t forget. Ali delivered a trademark goal from outside the box!

But the home side refused to surrender.

Alex Jerry reduced the deficit in the 47th minute and then produced the decisive moment deep into stoppage time.

His 90+7th-minute goal completed the comeback and earned the hosts a 2–2 draw.

For the Sai Masu Gida, it was a painful way to surrender two points.

For Kwara United, it was a valuable point secured from a losing position.

FT: KWARA UNITED 2–2 KANO PILLARS

 

Port-Harcourt:

RIVERS UNITED SEND EARLY WARNING

Rivers United were among the teams to make the strongest start to the campaign.

The Port Harcourt side defeated Plateau United 2–0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

Both goals came before half-time, allowing the hosts to control the second half and finish with a clean sheet.

After finishing second behind champions Rangers last season, the result represents an encouraging opening for the Pride of Rivers.

FT: RIVERS UNITED 2–0 PLATEAU UNITED

 

 

ABA:

KUN KHALIFAT CLAIM PRECIOUS POINT IN ABA

Abia Warriors started the new season in Aba where they ended last season and had to share points with Kun Khalifat.

The match was initially disrupted by poor weather on Sunday and concluded on Monday.

For Kun Khalifat, it was an opportunity to showcase their new form this term.

FT: ABIA WARRIORS 0-0 KUN KHALIFAT