Ikorodu City Storms NPFL Summit After Winning Start, Rangers Held

Ikorodu City have made an impressive start to the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after defeating newly promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 on Sunday to move to the top of the league standings.

The Lagos-based side fell behind in the seventh minute after Ranchers Bees took an early lead, but Umar Dan’Azumi restored parity for Ikorodu City in the 30th minute.

The hosts completed their comeback just before the break when Abayomi Ayodeji found the net to put Ikorodu City ahead. Farouk Salami then sealed the victory in the 87th minute by converting a penalty and securing all three points for the Oga Boys.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Rivers United also enjoyed a winning start after defeating Plateau United 2-0 in Port Harcourt. Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring for the hosts in the sixth minute, while Wasiu Falolu added a second goal in the 38th minute.

Kwara United produced a dramatic comeback in Ilorin, recovering from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars. Shola Abdulraheem and Rabiu Ali gave Pillars a 2-0 lead before Alex Jerry pulled one back shortly after the restart. Jerry completed the comeback with an equaliser deep into stoppage time.

Bendel Insurance also came from behind to defeat Warri Wolves 2-1. Eventus Itolowo put Wolves ahead in the fifth minute, but Kayode Oke levelled from the penalty spot before Alex Oweilayefa completed Insurance’s comeback early in the second half.

Niger Tornadoes secured a 2-1 victory over a revamped Enyimba in Minna. Aliyu Goyi gave the hosts the lead shortly before half-time, while Wonah Williams equalised for Enyimba in the 71st minute. Michael Olalusi restored Tornadoes’ advantage seven minutes later to secure the win.

Barau FC also began their campaign on a positive note with a 3-1 victory over Nasarawa United. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Abubakar Abdullahi levelled for Nasarawa United five minutes later. Barau regained the lead through Al’Amin Umar in the 78th minute, while Sugau Aliyu added a third shortly afterwards.

Defending champions Enugu Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw by Katsina United at their adopted home ground in Abeokuta. Luis Dadong gave Katsina United the lead in the 38th minute, but Chibueze Oputa rescued a point for Rangers with a stoppage-time equaliser after the visitors’ goalkeeper failed to keep out his effort.

Doma United marked their return to the NPFL with a 2-0 victory over fellow newcomers Sporting Lagos in Gombe. Sadiq Rilwan scored in the eighth minute to put Doma ahead, while Daniel Simon added the second goal in the 75th minute.

The opening round also saw Shooting Stars defeat Inter Lagos 2-1, while Abia Warriors were scheduled to face Kun Khalifat FC.

The Matchday One results were: Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos, Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves, Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba, Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United, Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United, Enugu Rangers 1-1 Katsina United, Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos, Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees, and Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars.