Rangers begin NPFL title defence with late draw as Niger Tornadoes stun Enyimba

Rangers began their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title defence with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Katsina United, while Niger Tornadoes produced one of the opening round’s biggest results by defeating nine-time champions Enyimba 2-1 in Minna.

Katsina United appeared to be heading for victory after Luis Dadong put the hosts ahead seven minutes before half-time. However, Rangers, also known as the Flying Antelopes, salvaged a point when Chibueze Oputa equalised deep into stoppage time.

The late leveller ensured the defending champions avoided defeat in their first match of the new campaign, although they had to settle for a single point.

Enyimba’s opening-day disappointment came at Bako Kontagora Stadium, where Niger Tornadoes took the lead five minutes before the interval through Aliyu Goyi.

The Aba-based side restored parity in the 71st minute, with Wonah Williams finding the net. But the comeback was cut short when Michael Olalusi scored for Niger Tornadoes seven minutes from full-time.

Olalusi’s goal secured all three points for the Ikon Allah Boys and handed Enyimba an early setback.

Elsewhere, Rivers United made a winning start in Port Harcourt, beating Plateau United 2-0. Abdulrasheed Dabai and Wasiu Falolu scored for the Pride of Rivers in a comfortable home victory.

Barau FC also impressed at the Sani Abacha Stadium, defeating Nasarawa United 3-1. Joseph Atule, Al’Amin Umar and Sugau Aliyu were on target for the home side, while Abubakar Abdullahi scored Nasarawa United’s consolation goal.

There was an entertaining contest in Ilorin, where Kwara United and Kano Pillars shared four goals in a 2-2 draw.

Kano Pillars established a two-goal advantage through Shola Abdulraheem and veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali. Kwara United, known as the Harmony Boys, fought back after the break, with Alex Jerry scoring twice to earn the hosts a point.

At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, former champions Bendel Insurance recovered from an early setback to defeat Warri Wolves 2-1.

Eventus Itolowo gave Warri Wolves a surprise lead after only five minutes. Bendel Insurance responded when Kayode Oke converted a penalty, before Alex Oweilayefa completed the turnaround.

In the meeting between two newly promoted teams, Doma United defeated Sporting Lagos 2-0 at Pantami Stadium.

The opening round also saw Ikorodu City claim a 3-1 victory over Ranchers Bees.

The full results were: Barau 3-1 Nasarawa United; Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars; Rangers 1-1 Katsina United; Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos; Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees; Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba; Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United; Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves.