The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season has started with a series of exciting results as the 20 participating clubs began their campaigns with Matchday One fixtures across the country.
Shooting Stars Sports Club opened the new season on a winning note after beating newcomers Inter Lagos 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Friday. The victory ensured the Oluyole Warriors became the first side to claim maximum points in the new campaign, while Inter Lagos experienced defeat in their maiden NPFL outing.
The remaining fixtures were decided on Sunday, with several teams making encouraging starts. Doma United secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Sporting Lagos in Gombe in a clash involving two sides making their return to the top division.
Ikorodu City also got their campaign underway with a 3-1 victory against Ranchers Bees in Lagos. The result will boost the confidence of the home side as they look to build on their impressive performance from last season.
In Benin City, Bendel Insurance defeated Warri Wolves 2-1 to pick up their first three points, while Niger Tornadoes caused one of the biggest surprises of the round by overcoming nine-time champions Enyimba 2-1 in Minna.
Rivers United were equally impressive at home, recording a 2-0 win against Plateau United in Port Harcourt to begin their season in convincing fashion.
Newcomers Barau FC announced their arrival in the league with a 3-1 triumph over Nasarawa United, while Kwara United and Kano Pillars shared four goals in a thrilling 2-2 draw in Ilorin.
Defending champions Rangers were unable to secure a winning start to their title defence after Katsina United held them to a 1-1 draw. Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat also settled for a point each following a goalless encounter.
The opening weekend produced victories for several established sides and newcomers alike, offering an early indication of what could be another closely contested NPFL season. Rangers’ dropped points and Enyimba’s defeat in Minna were among the results that caught the attention of football followers.
With the first round of matches concluded, attention will now shift to Matchday Two as clubs look to either maintain their early momentum or recover from disappointing starts. The season promises to be keenly contested as the battle for points begins to gather pace.
Matchday One Results:
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos
- Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat
- Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United
- Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves
- Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
- Rangers 1-1 Katsina United
- Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
- Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
- Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
- Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United