Kwara United stun Plateau United, MFM win as NPFL returns

The Nigeria Professional Football 2020/2021 season opened with a big bang on Sunday with Plateau United suffering a shock home defeat.

The ‘champions’, who led the league last season before it was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fell 2-0 to visiting Kwara United at the New Jos Stadium in a big shock result.

It was the only home defeat of the opening day, with four of the other hosts claiming narrow wins and the sixth fixture ending in a draw.

Jide Fatokun and Michael Ohanu were the heroes for Kwara United in Jos, both players scoring in a five-minute spell that condemned Plateau United to a home loss.

The goals came in the 62nd and 67th minutes against the Jos club who have already crashed out of the CAF Champions League.

FC IfeanyiUbah, MFM FC, Nasarawa United and Jigawa Golden Stars all won at home, while Kano Pillars held Adamawa United.

FC IfeanyiUbah defeated Lobi Stars 1-0 through Nonso Nzediogwu’s 47th minute strike, while Nasarawa United defeated Wikki Tourists 2-1.

The Lafia side had to come from behind after Promise Damala gave the visitors a shock lead in the fifth minute.

Reuben Nicodemus bagged a brace (seventh and 52nd minutes) to give Nasarawa United victory.

At the Agege Stadium in Lagos, MFM FC defeated Warri Wolves 2-1 with all the goals coming within a frantic opening 30 minutes.

Ebenezer Odeyemi and Muyiwa Balogun scored in the eighth and 23rd minutes for the hosts before John Paul Chinedu reduced the Wolves’ deficit in the 27th minute.

Jigawa Golden Stars left it until late before securing their home win over Sunshine Stars in Kaduna, Stone Onukwube scoring the only goal of the match in the 78th minute.

In the only draw of the evening, Adamawa United fought back at home to prevent Kano Pillars from claiming an away win.

Isa Garba netted in the 75th minute to cancel out veteran Rabiu Ali’s 13th minute goal that had given Pillars the lead.

The NPFL 2020/2021 opening matchday fixtures continue on Monday with Katsina United hosting Heartland of Owerri and local rivals Akwa United and Dakkada FC facing off in Uyo. Both matches are slated to be broadcast live from 4pm on Nigeria Television Authority.

NPFL RESULTS

Plateau United 0-2 Kwara United
MFM 2-1 Warri Wolves
Nasarawa United 2-1 Wikki Tourists
Jigawa Golden Stars 1-0 Sunshine Stars
FC IfeanyiUbah 1-0 Lobi Stars
Adamawa United 1-1 Kano Pillars