Remo Stars, Rivers United settle for draw in NPFL season opener

By Tosin Omojola –

The 2025/26 NPFL season got underway on Friday with defending champions Remo Stars and last season’s runners-up, Rivers United, playing out a 1-1 draw at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Barely three minutes into the game, Aniekeme Okon headed Rivers United into the lead, registering the season’s first goal.

The Pride of Rivers’ celebration lasted only six minutes as the Sky Blue Stars drew level in the ninth minute through Victor Mbaoma.

Both teams went into the break on equal terms and, despite creating chances in the second half, neither could find a winner, ensuring a share of the spoils in the season’s curtain-raiser.

On Sunday, last season’s third-placed side, Abia Warriors, will host Kano Pillars FC, while Ilorin will come alive as Federation Cup holders, Kwara United, face Ikorodu City.

At the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, returnees Wikki Tourists will welcome Plateau United, just as Katsina United will entertain another returning side, Warri Wolves.

At the Cathedral, Rangers International, who lost six home matches last season, will be aiming for a strong start as they face newcomers Kun Khalifat, while another debutant, Barau FC of Kano, will host Enyimba FC of Aba.

Rounding off Sunday’s fixtures are Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) against Bayelsa United in Ibadan and Bendel Insurance away to El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, while the game between Niger Tornadoes of Minna and Nasarawa United will hold on Wednesday in Ilorin.