The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season got off to an exciting start as defending champions Rangers International were held to a draw, while Enyimba suffered an opening-day defeat.

The opening round of fixtures produced several notable results, with newly promoted Barau FC making an impressive statement and several established clubs beginning their campaigns with victories.

Rangers, who lifted the NPFL title last season, were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United. The result means the champions dropped points in their first match as they began their title defence.

Nine-time champions Enyimba also endured a difficult start after losing 2-1 away to Niger Tornadoes.

Barau FC Make Strong NPFL Debut

One of the standout results of Matchday 1 came in Kano, where newly promoted Barau FC defeated Nasarawa United 3-1.

The victory gives Barau FC an early boost in their first campaign among Nigeria’s top-flight clubs and will raise expectations around their ability to compete against more experienced NPFL sides.

Ikorodu City also enjoyed a winning start, defeating Ranchers Bees 3-1 in Lagos.

Shooting Stars Defeat Inter Lagos

Shooting Stars began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos.

The result gave the Oluyole Warriors three valuable points at the start of the season, while Inter Lagos will have to wait for their first NPFL victory.

Doma United also recorded a convincing opening-day win, beating Sporting Lagos 2-0.

Rivers United Start With Victory

Rivers United began their campaign on a positive note with a 2-0 victory over Plateau United.

The result puts Rivers United among the early winners after the first round of fixtures.

Bendel Insurance also secured three points after defeating Warri Wolves 2-1.

Kwara United, Kano Pillars Share Four Goals

Kwara United and Kano Pillars played out one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round, drawing 2-2.

The result saw both teams pick up a point after a four-goal encounter.

Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat played out the only goalless draw of the matchday, finishing 0-0.

NPFL Matchday 1 Results

• Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos
• Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat
• Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
• Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United
• Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves
• Rangers 1-1 Katsina United
• Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
• Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
• Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
• Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United

With Matchday 1 now concluded, attention will turn to the next round as clubs look to build momentum, recover from disappointing starts and establish themselves early in the 2026/27 NPFL campaign.

The opening weekend has already demonstrated that the new season could produce a closely contested battle at both ends of the table.

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