Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International, began their title defence by fighting back to win a point against Katsina United in a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Playing at their temporary home ground at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Rangers were stunned when Luis Dadong clipped the ball over Lucky Jimoh who mistimed his clearance allowing the Katsina United forward to score into an empty net on 38 minutes.
Azeez Audu Mohammed’s men defended their one-goal lead for longer spells until a harmless freekick by Rangers right-back Chibueze Oputa embarrassed Katsina United’s Gambian goalkeeper Francis Koroma in the final moments of the match to save the champions from suffering an opening day defeat.
Kano Pillars under Daniel Ogunmodede for themselves to a flying start at Kwara United by taking a two-goal lead inside 30 minutes via goals from Shola Abdulraheem and Rabiu Ali.
The home side, however, fought back in the second half to earn a 2-2 draw with Alex Jerry scoring both goals.
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, last season’s fourth-placed side Ikorodu City clawed their way back from a goal down to win 3-1.
Umar Dan’Azumi (30’), Abayomi Ayodeji (45+5’) and Farouk Salami (87’ (P) scored for City to cancel out Chiedozie Jude Okorie’s early goal in the seventh minute for Ranchers Bees. The Bees finished the final moments with 10 after having a man sent off.
A goal each from Joseph Atule (15’), Al’Amin Umar (78’) and Sugau Aliyu (82’) ensured Barau FC began their campaign on a comfortable note against Nasarawa United.
Abubakar Abdullahi netted for the Solid Miners. Nasarawa United goalkeeper Chinemerem Olughu denied Atule the chance to score a double when he saved his penalty kick.
Eventus Itolowo opened scoring for Warri Wolves on five minutes before Kayode Oke levelled the score 15 minutes later for Bendel Insurance.
Rivers United saw off Plateau United by two goals. Abdulrasheed Dabai and Wasiu Falolu got the goals for the Pride of Rivers.
Doma United also won by two goals against Sporting Lagos in the clash of promoted clubs.
Sadiq Rilwan (8’) and Daniel Simon (75’) were goalscorers for the Savannah Tigers in a game that Sporting Lagos had to finish the second 45 minutes with a man less after Abraham Idakwo was sent off.
Nine-time champions Enyimba started their season on a losing note. The People’s Elephant suffered a 1-2 defeat at Niger Tornadoes.
Wonah Williams scored to level for Enyimba on 71 minutes to cancel Aliyu Goyi’s goal on 40 minutes.
Seven minutes to full-time, Michael Olalusi netted the winner for Niger Tornadoes to claim the full points.
The Abia Warriors versus Kun Khalifat FC match spilled into Monday morning after it rained out at 73 minutes.
The game was completed on Monday morning and it ended 0-0.