The 2024/25 NPFL season continued on Sunday as Enyimba and Remo Stars claimed big wins on the road to begin their respective campaigns, www.aclsports.com reports.
The former champions, led by the energetic Yemi Olanrewaju, kicked off the new era with a comeback 3-1 win over Heartland in Owerri. After a goalless first half, Emmanuel Amunuke’s side went in front via Suraju Lawal’s goal before debutants Ifeanyi Ihemekwele and Clinton Jephta (brace) turned the game around for the Aba side.
In Umuahia, Remo Stars began their quest for a first NPFL title with a convincing 2-0 win over Imama Amapakabo’s Abia Warriors. Sodiq Ismail, who scored the Sky Blue Stars’ final goal of last season, volleyed home the opener for his second goal in three competitive appearances this season before Jide Fatokun headed home a corner to complete the win on the road.
In Lafia, Shooting Stars denied hosts Nasarawa United a winning return to the NPFL after Samuel Ayanrinde’s late goal cancelled out Anas Yusuf’s penalty. Olawale Doyeni’s penalty was all Plateau United needed to beat Katsina United in Jos. It finished goalless between Bendel Insurance and Rivers United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
Niger Tornadoes defeated Kwara United 2-1 in Ilorin to get their season underway. Joseph Godstime and Sabiu Ibrahim scored for the visitors before Sadeeq Yusuf scored a consolation for the Harmony Boys in stoppage time.
Meanwhile, Ikorodu City’s NPFL debut did not go according to plan as they were beaten 3-0 by former champions Kano Pillars in Katsina. Mustapha Umar got the opener for Sai Masu Gida before the legendary Rabiu Ali scored a brace in the final 20 minutes of the game. Similarly, Sunshine Stars also thumped Bayelsa United by the same scoreline in Ijebu Ode.
Match day two of the new season will be played next weekend across the country.
RESULTS
Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars
Sunshine Stars 3-0 Bayelsa Utd
Nasarawa Utd 1-1 3SC
Heartland 1-3 Enyimba
Kwara Utd 1-2 Tornadoes
Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers Utd
Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City
Plateau Utd 1-0 Katsina Utd
