By ADERONKE OJO

The opening matches of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday produced thrilling wins, dramatic upsets, and fierce competition for early dominance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Match Day One fixtures were held at various venues nationwide.

Results were as follows: El-Kanemi Warriors FC 2-0 Bendel Insurance FC; Shooting Stars FC 0-1 Bayelsa United FC; Barau FC 0-0 Enyimba International FC.

Elsewhere, Wikki Tourist FC 1-0 Plateau United FC; Abia Warriors FC 1-0 Kano Pillars FC; Enugu Rangers International FC 0-0 Kun Khalifat FC.

Kwara United FC 0-0 Ikorodu City FC; Katsina United FC 0-1 Warri Wolves FC. Niger Tornadoes FC face Nasarawa United FC on Aug. 27.

The season officially kicked off on Aug. 22 with the curtain-raiser between Remo Stars SC and Rivers United, which ended 1-1.

The results have set up an exciting week two, with teams chasing early points and continental spots. All fixtures will kick off at 4 p.m.

On Aug. 30, Bendel Insurance FC host Shooting Stars FC in Benin. Other fixtures take place on Aug. 31 at different venues.

Kano Pillars FC meet Wikki Tourist FC in Kano; Plateau United FC face Katsina United FC in Jos; Warri Wolves FC host Enugu Rangers International FC.

Kun Khalifat FC face Remo Stars FC in Owerri; Rivers United FC meet Kwara United FC in Port Harcourt; Ikorodu City FC host El-Kanemi Warriors FC in Lagos.

Bayelsa United FC host Barau FC in Yenagoa; Enyimba International FC welcome Niger Tornadoes FC in Aba; Nasarawa United FC host Abia Warriors FC in Lafia.

NAN reports that four teams earned promotion: Wikki Tourist FC, Barau FC, Warri Wolves FC, and Kun Khalifat FC.

Four others were relegated at the end of the 2024/2025 season: Heartland FC, Akwa United FC, Sunshine Stars FC, and Lobi Stars FC.

The 2025/2026 NPFL season, which began on Aug. 22, is scheduled to conclude on May 24, 2026. (NAN)

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