NPFL: Enyimba stage comeback win over Amuneke’s Heartland, as coachless Remo Stars triumph in Umuahia

The Matchday one fixtures of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season continued on Sunday, September 8, with eight games, following the goalless draw between Rangers International and El-Kanemi Warriors in the opening fixture on Saturday, August 31.

The first goal of the season was recorded between Plateau United and Katsina United when Olawale Doyeni gave the Jos-based team the lead— which happened to be the match-winning strike—from the spot in the 24th minute.

Despite missing their head coach Daniel Ogunmodede, who has been drafted as the Super Eagles’s interim assistant coach for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, Remo Stars secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in Umuahia.

Second-half goals from Sadiq Ismail and Jide Fatokun sealed maximum points for the Sky Blue Stars, but NPFL giants Enyimba had to stage a late comeback to kick off their season on a good note against newly promoted Heartland FC.

After a goalless first half, Emmanuel Amuneke-led Heartland broke the deadlock through Suraju Lawal in the 53rd minute, but relentless Enyimba maintained composure to get back into the game.

It was substitute Ifeanyi Ihemekwele who equalised for the Aba Elephants in the 66th minute before Clinton Jephtha’s late brace sealed all three points for the Yemi Olanrewaju-led side.

Other Matchday one fixtures saw newly promoted Nasarawa United play a 1-1 draw against Shooting Stars, while Findi George’s 10-man Rivers United were held to a goalless draw against Bendel Insurance in Benin.

Sunshine Stars secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Bayelsa United, while Kano Pillars also welcomed Ikorodu City to the NPFL with a 3-0 win in Katsina.

Niger Tornadoes grabbed a 2-1 away win over Kwara United to close Saturday’s fixtures ahead of the final Matchday one fixture between Lobi Stars and Akwa United at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi on Monday, September 10.