Nigerian Football NPFL 2024/25 Season Kicks Off with Stalemates, Upsets and Late Drama

The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season burst into life on Sunday with a mix of stalemates, shock victories and decisive strikes as nine matches were played across the country.

But it is the newcomers into the NPFL that shone the most, as none of them lost, and some had famous wins. Returnee, Wikki Tourists had a home win over Plateau United. Others like Barau and Kun-Khalifat, held to a goalless draw, the traditional strongholds of Enyimba and Enugu Rangers.

But the biggest upset was by Warri Wolves getting an away win over Katsina United. Another upset was in Ibadan where Shooting Stars fell 1-0 at home to Bayelsa United. The highlights of the matches:

Barau 0-0 Enyimba (Umuahia)
Debutants Barau held their ground against record champions Enyimba International in Umuahia, securing a goalless draw that will feel like a victory for the newcomers. Enyimba dominated possession but could not break down the resilient hosts.

Wikki Tourists 1-0 Plateau United (Bauchi)
In Bauchi, Luis Dadong struck from the penalty spot in the 44th minute to hand Wikki Tourists a narrow but deserved victory over their North-Central rivals Plateau United.

Katsina United 0-1 Warri Wolves (Katsina)

Returning side Warri Wolves announced their NPFL comeback in style, claiming all three points away in Katsina thanks to Isaiah Evwierhurhoma’s clinical 76th-minute finish.

Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Paul Samson’s 35th-minute goal proved decisive as Abia Warriors stunned the legendary Kano Pillars. It was a disappointing first league outing for Ahmed Musa in his new role as Pillars’ General Manager.

Rangers Int’l 0-0 Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Rangers International were frustrated to a goalless draw by NPFL newcomers Kun-Khalifat, who impressed in their maiden top-flight appearance.

Kwara United 0-0 Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
In Ilorin, Ikorodu City picked up a valuable point on their NPFL debut, holding Kwara United to a goalless encounter in a tight midfield battle.

El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
El-Kanemi Warriors turned on the style in Maiduguri, defeating Bendel Insurance 2-0. Umar Al Amin opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 48th minute before D. Abdulrahman sealed the win with a fine strike midway through the second half.

Shooting Stars 0-1 Bayelsa United (Ibadan)
In Ibadan, Bayelsa United silenced the home crowd as Kehinde Lawal netted the only goal of the game in the 30th minute, giving the visitors a famous win over Shooting Stars.

Results