Nine-time Nigerian Professional Football League champions Enyimba kicked off their quest for a 10th domestic title with a convincing 3-1 away win over Heartland FC in the Oriental derby. Elsewhere, Remo Stars and Niger Tornadoes also secured impressive victories on the road in their respective 2024/25 season openers.
After missing out on the NPFL title last season and a place in the CAF Champions League, Enyimba knew a strong start to the new campaign was crucial. However, their ambitions were briefly derailed when Heartland took the lead through Suraju Lawal in the 54th minute.
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Undeterred, Enyimba fought back, equalizing through Ifeanyi Ihemekwele in the 66th minute before sealing the victory with a quick brace from Clinton Jephta in the 71st and 73rd minutes. The win marked a positive beginning for the People’s Elephants as they look to reclaim their domestic throne.
Title contender Remo Stars made a strong statement in their season opener, securing a comfortable 2-0 win over Abia Warriors in Aba. Despite the absence of head coach Daniel Ogumodede, who is away on national duty with the Super Eagles, the Sky Blue Stars delivered a dominant performance, with goals from defender Ismail Sodiq and Idris Fatokun in the 49th and 61st minutes. The victory lifts Remo Stars to fourth place in the league table after matchday 1.
The biggest surprise of the week came in Ilorin, where Kwara United suffered a shocking 2-1 home defeat to NPFL newcomers Niger Tornadoes. Joseph Godstime put the visitors ahead in the 32nd minute, and Mohammed Sabiu sealed the win with a goal in the 69th minute. Sad’eeq Yusuf Ahmat’s late consolation in the 92nd minute proved too little too late for the hosts.
NPFL newcomers Ikorodu City FC received a harsh welcome to the top flight, suffering a resounding 3-0 defeat at the hands of four-time champions Kano Pillars. The Sai Masu Gida’s experience proved too much for the young side, with veteran Rabiu Ali scoring a second-half brace (70th and 79th minutes) to complement Mustapha Shehu’s opener in the 62nd minute. The victory propels Kano Pillars to the top of the league table after matchday 1.
Sunshine Stars got their 2024/25 season off to a flying start with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayelsa United at their new home, the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode. Saidu Salisu, Promise Awosanmi, and Stephen Chukwedu scored goals in the 44th, 53rd, and 90th minutes, respectively, to secure a comfortable win for the Akure Gunners.
Olawale Doyeni’s early goal in the 24th minute proved to be the difference as Plateau United secured a 1-0 victory over Katsina United at the New Jos Stadium. The 2017 league champions defended resolutely to preserve their lead and claim all three points.
Nasarawa United and Shooting Stars played to a 1-1 draw, while Rives United, now led by former Super Eagles coach Finidi George, earned a goalless draw against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
Akwa United will wrap off the matchday 1 fixtures with a visit to Lobi Stars in Makurdi.
