Ikorodu City FC break opening-day jinx as NPFL season gets underway
Ikorodu City have finally broken their opening-day hoodoo, beginning the 2026/27 NPFL season with a convincing 3-1 victory over newly promoted Ranchers Bees at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The Oga Boys had endured disappointing starts in their first two NPFL campaigns since securing promotion to the top flight in 2024. And when Chidozie Okorie bundled Gabriel Sunday’s cross into the net to give Ranchers Bees the lead, it looked like history was about to repeat itself.
But Ikorodu City had other ideas.
Umar Dan’Azumi restored parity before Abayomi Ayodeji completed the turnaround, while Salami Farouk put the result beyond doubt from the penalty spot late in the game.
Ranchers Bees were reduced to ten men after Okorie was shown a red card, bringing an eventful opening-day contest to an end and handing Ikorodu City a much-needed winning start.
In Ilorin, Kwara United produced a dramatic comeback to rescue a 2-2 draw against Kano Pillars.
The visitors appeared to be cruising after former Kwara United player Shola Abdulraheem opened the scoring, with veteran Rabiu Ali adding a second just before the half-hour mark.
Kwara United responded immediately after the interval as Alex Jerry pulled one back.
With defeat staring them in the face, Jerry emerged as the hero deep into stoppage time, completing his brace to earn the Harmony Boys a share of the points.
Defending champions Rangers International were also forced to settle for a point after a 1-1 draw with Katsina United at their adopted home in Abeokuta.
Luis Dadong capitalised on a costly error from the Rangers goalkeeper to put Katsina United ahead.
The Flying Antelopes, however, refused to surrender and eventually found their equaliser through Chibueze Oputa late in the game.
There was derby delight for Bendel Insurance as they came from behind to beat Warri Wolves 2-1 in Benin.
Eventus Itolowo gave the Seasiders an early advantage, but Insurance turned the game around through Kayode Oke’s penalty and Alex Oweilayefa’s early second-half strike.
The result handed Kennedy Boboye’s side all three points in a fiercely contested South-South encounter.
Tornadoes Shock Enyimba in Minna
Niger Tornadoes also opened their campaign with a 2-1 home victory over Enyimba in Minna.
Aliyu Goyi and Michael Olalusi found the net for the Ikon Allah Boys, while Wonah Williams scored Enyimba’s consolation.
In Kano, Barau FC marked their arrival in the NPFL with a 3-1 victory over Nasarawa United, despite missing a penalty.
Joseph Atule, Al Amin Umar and Sagau Aliyu got the goals for the Maliya Boys, while Abubakar Abdullahi scored Nasarawa United’s lone goal.
Sporting Lagos endured a difficult start to the new campaign, falling 2-0 to Doma United in Gombe.
Sadiq Rilwan opened the scoring before Daniel Simon added a second as Doma United claimed all three points against the ten-man Lagos side.
Rivers United also began their season on a winning note, defeating Plateau United 2-0 in Port Harcourt.
Two first-half goals from Abdulrasheed Dabai and Wasiu Falolu were enough to settle the contest and give the Pride of Rivers a perfect start.
Abia Warriors-Kun Khalifat Clash Suspended
The encounter between Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat was suspended in the 73rd minute after heavy rainfall made conditions unplayable.
The match was still goalless when play was stopped, with the remaining minutes scheduled to be completed on Monday.
Shooting Stars had already opened the new NPFL campaign on Friday with a victory over Inter Lagos.
With the first round of fixtures producing goals, comebacks, surprises and dramatic finishes, the 2026/27 NPFL season has wasted no time announcing itself.
And if opening weekend is anything to go by, Nigerian football fans could be in for another thrilling ride.
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