NPFL Kick-off: Home Teams Stride High As Rangers Kiss First Home Defeat

By Augustine Akhilomen

It was great delight and excitement as the Nigeria Professional Football League season kicked off in different centers around the federation.

Reigning league champions, Enugu Rangers FC failed to the replicate the form that gave them the title last season as the Flying Antelopes lost 2-1 to Abia Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday in their opening fixture.

Rangers who will be playing in the continent later this year, couldn’t convert most of the chances that came their way only for the Warriors to shock them at home.

In the other matches, Rivers United defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 while Remo Stars began their league campaign on a losing note after falling 2-1 to Plateau United.

Also, Shooting Stars walloped Lobi Stars 2-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium as MFM pummeled ‘sorry’ Niger Tornadoes 3-0 at the Agege Stadium.

Moreso, Enyimba managed a 1-0 win over Sunshine while ABS started their campaign on a winning note, beating Akwa United 3-1. Katsina defeated Gombe United 2-1 as Wikki Tourist and Nasarawa played out a goalless draw.

Full Results

ABS 3 – 1 Akwa United FC

Enugu Rangers 1 – 2 Abia Warriors

Enyimba 1 – 0 Sunshine Stars

Katsina United 2 – 1 Gombe United

MFM 3 – 0 Niger Tornadoes

Remo Stars FC 1 – 2 Plateau United

Rivers United FC 2 – 1 El Kanemi Warriors

Shooting Stars FC 2 – 0 Lobi Stars

Wikki Tourists FC 0 – 0 Nasarawa United