NPFL: Bayelsa United, Warri Wolves shine as Enyimba, Rangers stumble

The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season got underway on Sunday with exciting results across different venues.

Bayelsa United made a strong start to their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars in Ibadan. Kehinde Lawal’s 30th-minute strike was enough to seal all three points in the matchday one encounter.

Warri Wolves also impressed on the road, edging Katsina United 1-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium to secure an early away win.

However, it was a frustrating outing for nine-time champions Enyimba, who were held to a goalless draw by newly promoted Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. Former champions Rangers also failed to break down Kun Khalifat, settling for a 0-0 draw.

In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors got off to a flying start, defeating Bendel Insurance 2-0, while Kwara United and Ikorodu City shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate in Ilorin.