The Nigerian topflight league match day one fixtures were concluded on Sunday, 15th January with a total of eight games played across different centres. Four away wins, four draws and two home victories with a total of 22 goals were recorded in 10 games.
Meanwhile, the game between Kwara United and Gombe United failed to produce a goal during matchday one.
However, no TV station broadcasted the game unlike the South Southern derby between Akwa United and Bendel Insurance.
With the absence of the IMC’s media provision, some clubs stream their games on Youtube and Facebook for their fans.
Upset
Having said that, four away wins were recorded; first time since 2021 during the NPFL matchday 21 where MFM defeated Warri Wolves 2-0(both teams now relegated), Nasarawa won the Northern derby against Wikki Tourists via 2-1, Akwa United also defeated Dakkada 2-0 and Rivers stunning Enugu Rangers by a lone goal.
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Similar encounter was seen at four venues during the matchday 1 of the NPFL. Bendel Insurance won the South-southern derby, Niger Tornadoes walloped Wikki Tourists to win the Northern derby, Enyimba defeated Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors won the Oriental derby over Rangers.
Gbenga Ogunbote reviving 3SC
Shooting Stars had never picked a point at Jos before their Sunday clash against Plateau United at the New Jos Stadium. But the Gbenga Ogunbote-led boys broke the jinx, having played a 3-3 draw with the Peace Boys.
Probably, the Oracle is back on a reviving mission for the second time at the Ibadan-based club.
The Oluyole Warriors came in front in the sixth minute from Akpan Joshua before Plateau United levelled two minutes later with Emmanuel Ifeanyi who later scored a brace in the last minute to salvage the visitors lead.
The positives for the Ibadan-based club is the new signings they made this season. Ogunbote on getting Shooting Stars’ job has signed over 8 players to the team and trio new signings, Akpan Joshua, Anthony Okachi, former Ikorodu-City player and Akintunde Azeez were on the scoresheets for the Warriors.
However, the visitors were soon to slip away, leading with two goals. Ogunbote needs to work on his defence to avoid costly mistakes.
Finidi getting Enyimba focused
Enyimba last season, which was Finidi George’s maiden season with the People’s Elephant, won just two games on the road with 15 defeats. But on Saturday, Enyimba trounced Nasarawa 2-1 to begin their league campaign with an away win.
Hopefully, they go past two away victories this season as the coach has said his team would avoid any distraction as the league gets intense.
Meanwhile, the Aba Landlords will be hosting injured Akwa United for their second NPFL fixture.
Kwara United trying to adapt to their new home
Kwara United were unfortunate to win at their adopted Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on Sunday against Gombe United. The game ended in a barren draw.
The Harmony boys might have been affected by the new environment, notwithstanding, Gombe United are one of the top 10 teams that conceded less goals on the road last season. They conceded just 29 goals and scored 10.
However, clubs like Sunshine Stars who played over 50% of their home games at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode started their first home game with a barren draw against Enugu Rangers last season.
Meanwhile, the Afonja Warriors will be playing from their adopted home against the original owners, Shooting Stars on Sunday.
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