Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan began their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign on a losing note, as they fell surprisingly 1-0 to Bayelsa United on Sunday, www.aclsports.com sports.
The Oluyole Warriors, under new management, hoped for a winning start, but the visitors turned to party spoilers as Kehinde Malik’s first-half header settled the contest in front of a packed Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
In Ilorin, Ikorodu City held Kwara United to a goalless draw, as ten-man Elkanemi Warriors made light work of new-look Bendel Insurance by claiming a 2-0 win in Maiduguri. Al-amin Umar scored the opener in the 50th minute before former Shooting Stars midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman doubled the home side’s lead in the 65th minute. Meanwhile, Elkanemi skipper Musa Zayyad was sent off in the final 20 minutes.
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It also finished goalless between the 2024 Champions, Rangers, and newly promoted Kun Khalifat in Enugu. In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists returned to the top flight with a narrow 1-0 win over Plateau United. The game’s only goal came from the penalty spot through Lius Dadong a minute before the break.
Meanwhile, CAF Confederation Cup campaigners, Abia Warriors, edged Kano Pillars 1-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Paul Samson scored the game’s only goal to help Imama Amapakabo’s side begin the season on a winning note. NPFL first-timers Barau FC were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Enyimba at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
In the day’s last game, Warri Wolves shocked Katsina United 1-0 in Katsina to kick off their return to the elite division with a win. Igbunu Evwierhurhona scored the winning goal in the 76th minute.
The opening week’s last game – Niger Tornadoes v Nasarawa United – will be played on Wednesday in Ilorin.
