Coaches Reflects on Matchday One Results as Lagos Derby Headlines EuroMatch NPFL Matchday Two Fixtures
Coaches across the 2026/27 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have assessed their teams’ opening-day performances as attention turns to Matchday Two, headlined by the Lagos derby between Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City.
Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu expressed his disappointment with his team’s performance despite the defending champions securing a 1-1 draw against Katsina United in Abeokuta.
Katsina United took the lead through Dadong in the 35th minute and appeared poised for a memorable victory before Rangers equalised late in the encounter after goalkeeper Koroma inadvertently carried a cross into his own net.
“I am not happy, but in a game like this, getting something in the dying minutes can feel like three points, even though this was not the result the team prepared for. We will return home and begin preparations for our next match,” Ilechukwu said.
The Rangers coach, however, praised the supporters in Abeokuta for their backing.
“I want to first thank the fans in Abeokuta. This is home, and there is nothing we can do about it. They welcomed us warmly,” he added.
Katsina United coach Azeez Mohammed was more encouraged by his side’s performance, praising his players for their commitment and adherence to instructions.
“I was pleased with the players’ commitment and their work off the ball in line with the instructions we gave them. We cannot dwell on the goalkeeper’s error,” Mohammed said.
He acknowledged the difficulty of facing the reigning champions but believed his team had done enough to secure a positive result.
“We were fortunate to be a goal ahead before the incident, and we were playing against the defending champions,” he added.
In Ilorin, Kwara United coach Ashifat Sulyman was disappointed after his side conceded two goals before recovering to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars.
Sulyman attributed the result to missed opportunities but pledged to make improvements in subsequent matches.
“We failed to take our chances, and this cost us. Kano Pillars took advantage of the opportunities that came their way. We will make amends in our subsequent games,” he said.
The reactions highlight the contrasting emotions following Matchday One, with coaches already identifying areas for improvement ahead of the next round.
Matchday Two will be affected by Nigeria’s CAF continental commitments, with fixtures involving Enyimba, Shooting Stars and Rivers United exempted this weekend.
The remaining fixtures include the much-anticipated Lagos derby between Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City. Inter Lagos will face Doma United, Kano Pillars will take on Niger Tornadoes, Kun Khalifat will host Barau FC, Nasarawa United will meet Bendel Insurance, Plateau United will welcome Kwara United, Ranchers Bees will entertain Abia Warriors, and Warri Wolves will face Rangers International.
As the season gathers momentum, coaches will hope their Matchday One lessons translate into improved performances and better results in the second round.
