Nigeria Leagues
2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League season finally starts with goals galore
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after a series of postponements kicked off across seven centres with Bayelsa United, Enugu Rangers, Shooting Stars, Sunshine Stars, Abia Warriors, and Katsina United all recorded opening Matchday victories on Saturday.
In Umuahia, John Peter’s 79th-minute goal was enough to hand Abia Warriors a 1-0 win over Niger Tornadoes.
The action-packed tie between Bayelsa United and Akwa United produced eight goals in Yenegoa as the hosts secured a 5-3 win against Akwa United.
In the duel, Robert Mizo became the first player to score a hat-trick in the new NPFL campaign. Alex Jerry and Emmanuel Nneoyi also scored for the Yenegoa-based side while Seyi Oguntayo netted a brace and Hadi Mohammed converted for the Fatai Osho side.
For Katsina United, Lukman Bello scored the all-important goal for the Northern side against Kwara United.
Former league winners, Enugu Rangers edged Doma United 2-1 thanks to goals from Kalu Nweke and Austin Oyemaechi with Bidemi Owoku pulling a goal back for the visitors.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) pipped Plateau United 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Ayobami Adekunle and Anayo Ogbonna converted for the host as Uche Onwuasoanya reduced the deficit for the Jos-based side.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Oge’s early strike lifted Sunshine Stars to a 1-0 win over Kano Pillars in Akure.
The encounter between Heartland FC and Lobi Stars produced four goals in a 2-2 draw in Umuahia.
Patrick Nwogbaga and Ezekiel Bassey scored for the host while Adebayo Waheed and Francis Odinaka converted for Lobi Stars.
Two games were postponed due to the continental assignments of Bendel Insurance and Rivers United.
The game between Sporting Lagos and Gombe United will be held on Monday in Lagos.
