Shooting Stars lead winners as 2026/27 NPFL season begins

Shooting StarsSportsClub (3SC), Rivers United and Doma United were among the teams to claim victories as the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season opened with a full programme of 10 fixtures.

The opening round delivered a combination of home wins, draws and notable results, with several promoted or returning sides making an immediate impact. The official NPFL table lists 3SC at the top after the first round of matches.

Shooting Stars made the earliest statement on Friday when they beat newly promoted Inter Lagos 2-1 at Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. The Oluyole Warriors became the first side to win in the new campaign, while Inter Lagos suffered defeat in their first-ever NPFL fixture.

The match had been scheduled as the season opener, with the other nine Matchday One fixtures taking place on Sunday.

Doma United also began with three points, defeating Sporting Lagos 2-0 in Gombe. The fixture featured two clubs returning to the top flight, but it was Doma United who took advantage of the occasion to start their campaign strongly.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City recorded a 3-1 victory against fellow promoted club Ranchers Bees. The result provided an encouraging beginning for Ikorodu City, who finished fourth in the previous campaign and have set their sights on another positive season.

Bendel Insurance came from the opening round with a 2-1 win over Warri Wolves in Benin City. Niger Tornadoes produced one of the weekend’s most eye-catching results by defeating nine-time champions Enyimba 2-1 in Minna.

Rivers United completed a winning start by beating Plateau United 2-0 in Port Harcourt.

Barau FC marked their NPFL debut with a convincing 3-1 victory over Nasarawa United. Elsewhere, Kwara United and Kano Pillars shared four goals in a 2-2 draw in Ilorin.

Defending champions Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw by Katsina United in their opening fixture. The result left Rangers with one point as they began their title defence, rather than the perfect start they would have wanted.

Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat played out the only goalless draw of the round.

Matchday One results

– Shooting StarsSportsClub (3SC) 2-1 Inter Lagos
– Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat
– Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United
– Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves
– Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
– Rangers 1-1 Katsina United
– Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
– Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
– Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
– Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United

The opening fixtures offered an early indication that the 2026/27 season could be highly competitive. Barau FC and Doma United both began with victories, while Ikorodu City also defeated fellow newcomers Ranchers Bees as promoted and returning clubs made their presence felt.

Rangers’ draw against Katsina United was another significant talking point, with the champions immediately dropping points in their attempt to retain the title. Niger Tornadoes’ success against Enyimba also stood out, giving the Minna club an important early boost against one of the league’s most decorated teams.

Attention now turns to Matchday Two, with the first results setting the tone for a campaign in which established contenders will face challenges from ambitious clubs and sides returning to the top flight.

The NPFL’s official competition information confirms that the 2026/27 season involves 20 clubs, with Matchday One consisting of 10 fixtures.

Niyi Busari is the Publisher and CEO of BSN Sports Concept.