NPFL 2026/27: Rangers Held, Enyimba Fall as Barau, Ikorodu City Impress on Matchday One
Defending champions Rangers were held to a late 1-1 draw by Katsina United, while Enyimba suffered defeat as Barau FC and Ikorodu City made impressive starts to the new NPFL season.
The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season began dramatically on Sunday, with nine fixtures played across the country after Shooting Stars opened the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Lagos on Friday.
The opening round featured late goals, comeback victories and notable results, with several established sides dropping points while some of the league’s newer entrants immediately demonstrated their ambitions.
Rangers required a stoppage-time equaliser to avoid defeat, Enyimba lost to Niger Tornadoes, while Barau FC, Rivers United, Doma United and Ikorodu City all secured maximum points.
Rangers Rescue Point Against Katsina United
Defending champions Rangers were denied victory after Katsina United surrendered their lead deep into stoppage time, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Luis Dadong put the visitors ahead in the 38th minute, leaving Rangers facing a disappointing start to their title defence.
However, Chibueze Oputa produced the decisive moment in the seventh minute of added time, rescuing a point for the champions.
Rangers will now seek an improved performance when they return to action on Matchday Two.
Enyimba Suffer Opening-Day Defeat
Enyimba endured a difficult start as Niger Tornadoes secured a 2-1 victory in an entertaining contest.
Aliyu Goyi gave Tornadoes the lead shortly before half-time, scoring in the 40th minute.
Enyimba responded through Wonah Williams, who restored parity in the 71st minute.
The visitors’ hopes of taking anything from the game were ended seven minutes from time when Michael Olalusi scored in the 83rd minute to secure all three points for Tornadoes.
Barau Make Impressive NPFL Start
One of the most notable results from Matchday One was Barau FC’s impressive 3-1 victory over Nasarawa United.
Barau took the lead through Joseph Atule in the 15th minute.
Nasarawa United responded almost immediately, with Abubakar Abdullahi equalising five minutes later.
Barau, however, finished strongly.
Al’Amin Umar restored their advantage in the 78th minute before Sugau Aliyu added a third four minutes later to complete a memorable opening-day victory.
Ikorodu City Begin with Statement Victory
Ikorodu City also made a strong statement by defeating newly promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 in Lagos.
The Lagos-based side recovered from an early setback to take control of the encounter and secure maximum points.
The victory offers an early indication of Ikorodu City’s ambitions as they seek to establish themselves among the league’s competitive sides.
Rivers United, Doma United Secure Comfortable Victories
Rivers United began their campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over Plateau United.
Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring before Wasiu Falolu doubled the advantage, giving Rivers United a comfortable three points.
Doma United also enjoyed a winning start, defeating Sporting Lagos 2-0.
Sadiq Rilwan put Doma United ahead early in the contest before Daniel Simon sealed the victory with a second-half goal.
Insurance Complete Comeback Against Warri Wolves
Bendel Insurance came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Warri Wolves.
Eventus Itolowo gave Wolves an early lead, but Insurance responded when Kayode Oke converted from the penalty spot.
Alex Oweilayefa then completed the turnaround, securing all three points for the Benin-based club.
Late Drama in Ilorin
Kwara United and Kano Pillars produced one of the weekend’s most dramatic encounters, playing out a 2-2 draw.
Kano Pillars appeared to be in control after Shola Abdulraheem and Rabiu Ali gave the visitors a two-goal lead.
Kwara United, however, mounted a late comeback, with Alex Jerry scoring twice to level the contest.
His second goal arrived in the seventh minute of added time, earning Kwara United a valuable point.
Heavy Rain Interrupts Abia Warriors-Kun Khalifat
The only fixture that failed to reach full time was the meeting between Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat.
The match was abandoned in the 73rd minute with the score at 0-0 after heavy rainfall made conditions unsuitable for play in Aba.
The remaining 17 minutes are scheduled to be completed on Monday morning.
Matchday One Results at a Glance
Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos
Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves
Barau 3-1 Nasarawa United
Rangers 1-1 Katsina United
Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United
Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifat was abandoned in the 73rd minute due to heavy rain, with the remaining 17 minutes scheduled for Monday.
With Matchday One producing goals, late drama, comebacks and early surprises, the 2026/27 NPFL season has immediately established the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested campaign.
Rangers and Enyimba already have areas to address, while Barau, Ikorodu City, Rivers United and the other winners will aim to build on their promising starts when Matchday Two arrives.
