NPFL 2026/27: Rangers Held, Enyimba Stunned As Barau, Ikorodu City Shine

Defending champions Rangers were forced to settle for a late 1-1 draw against Katsina United, while Enyimba suffered defeat as Barau FC and Ikorodu City recorded impressive victories in the opening round of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The new NPFL campaign continued on Sunday with nine fixtures across the country, following Shooting Stars’ 2-1 victory over Inter Lagos in Friday’s season opener at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

The opening weekend produced late goals, comeback victories and unexpected results, with some of the league’s established clubs dropping points while Barau FC and Ikorodu City announced their ambitions with convincing wins.

Rangers needed a stoppage-time equaliser to avoid defeat against Katsina United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, while Enyimba fell to Niger Tornadoes at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. Barau FC, Rivers United, Doma United and Ikorodu City all began their campaigns with victories.

Rangers Rescue Point Against Katsina United

Rangers were denied victory after Katsina United surrendered their lead deep into stoppage time to earn a 1-1 draw against the defending champions in Enugu.

Luis Dadong gave Katsina United the lead in the 38th minute, putting Rangers under pressure in their first game of the title defence.

The champions eventually found their breakthrough in the seventh minute of added time when Chibueze Oputa struck to rescue a point for Rangers.

The result leaves Rangers with work to do ahead of their second fixture of the campaign.

Enyimba Suffer Opening-Day Defeat

Enyimba endured a disappointing start to the season after Niger Tornadoes defeated them 2-1 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

Aliyu Goyi put Tornadoes in front in the 40th minute before Enyimba fought back after the interval.

Wonah Williams restored parity for the visitors in the 71st minute, raising hopes of a comeback.

However, Michael Olalusi struck in the 83rd minute to restore Niger Tornadoes’ lead and secure maximum points.

Barau Make Impressive NPFL Start

Barau FC produced one of the weekend’s standout results with a 3-1 victory over Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

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Joseph Atule opened the scoring for Barau in the 15th minute, but Nasarawa United responded quickly through Abubakar Abdullahi, who equalised five minutes later.

Barau regained control late in the game, with Al’Amin Umar restoring their lead in the 78th minute.

Sugau Aliyu then added a third four minutes later to complete an impressive victory for Barau.

Ikorodu City Begin With Statement Victory

Ikorodu City also made an impressive start by defeating Ranchers Bees 3-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The Lagos-based club recovered from an early setback to take control of the contest and claim all three points.

The result provides Ikorodu City with an early boost as they look to build on their progress and establish themselves as a competitive force in the NPFL.

Rivers United, Doma United Secure Victories

Rivers United began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Plateau United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring before Wasiu Falolu added a second to complete a comfortable win for the hosts.

Doma United also secured three points after defeating Sporting Lagos 2-0 at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.

Sadiq Rilwan gave Doma United the lead before Daniel Simon added a second-half goal to seal the victory.

Insurance Complete Comeback Against Warri Wolves

Bendel Insurance came from behind to defeat Warri Wolves 2-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Eventus Itolowo put Warri Wolves ahead early in the match, but Insurance responded when Kayode Oke converted a penalty to level the score.

Alex Oweilayefa then completed the comeback, giving the Benin-based side all three points.

Late Drama in Ilorin

Kwara United and Kano Pillars shared the points after a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin.

Kano Pillars established a two-goal advantage through Shola Abdulraheem and Rabiu Ali, putting the visitors in a commanding position.

Kwara United, however, staged a late comeback as Alex Jerry scored twice to bring the hosts level.

Jerry’s second goal came in the seventh minute of added time, ensuring Kwara United avoided defeat on the opening weekend.

Heavy Rain Interrupts Abia Warriors-Kun Khalifat

The encounter between Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat was the only fixture that did not reach full time on Sunday.

The game was abandoned in the 73rd minute with the score still 0-0 after heavy rainfall made the pitch unplayable at the Umuahia Township Stadium in Umuahia.

The remaining 17 minutes are scheduled to be completed on Monday morning.

Matchday One Results

Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos — Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan

Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars — Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin

Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos — Pantami Stadium, Gombe

Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat — Umuahia Township Stadium, Umuahia

Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba — Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna

Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves — Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City

Barau 3-1 Nasarawa United — Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano

Rangers 1-1 Katsina United — Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu

Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United — Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt

Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees — Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos

The Abia Warriors-Kun Khalifat fixture was abandoned in the 73rd minute because of heavy rainfall, with the remaining 17 minutes scheduled to be played on Monday.

With late goals, comebacks and several surprising results dominating the opening round, the 2026/27 NPFL season has already delivered an eventful start.

Rangers and Enyimba will look to respond in Matchday Two, while Barau FC, Ikorodu City, Rivers United and the other winners will aim to maintain their early momentum.