The 2023/24 domestic league season started in great style at various stadiums across the country
Six teams achieved home wins in the seven matches played during the opening weekend of the 2023/24 Nigeria Professional Football League, Soccernet.ng reported on Saturday.
Kano Pillars fought hard at the Akure Township Stadium but got off to a strong start as Sunshine Stars won 1-0 thanks to Emmanuel Oguagu’s goal in the 9th minute.
Katsina United needed the same result to defeat Kwara United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
Former Abia Warriors star Bello Lukman scored the decisive winning goal for the home team in the 72nd minute of the match.
Fans at the Umuahia Township Stadium rejoiced as Abia Warriors secured a narrow 1-0 victory over visiting team Niger Tornadoes. Jon Peters’ goal in the 79th minute sealed the victory.
Shooting Stars achieved a 2-1 win against Plateau United at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan.
Oluyole Warriors took the lead in the 37th minute through Ayobami Adekunle, before Anayor Ogbonna extended the lead to two points midway through the second half.
Uche Onwansanya reduced United’s lead in the 77th minute, but 3SC held on and sent the visitors back to Jos with an empty sack.
The Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa witnessed a thrilling drama as Bayelsa United defeated Akwa United 5-3 to claim all three points.
Akwa United took the lead three times in the first 76 minutes, but each time the home side fought back.
Bayelsa United took the lead for the first time in the 83rd minute and added more sparkle late in stoppage time.
Robert Christian Mizo (23 years old) was by far the best player on the pitch as he scored four goals for Bayelsa, displaying his superb finishing skills.
It was another nail-biting and thrilling match at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri as Heartland FC came back from two points behind to draw 2-2 with Lobi Stars.
Adebayo Waheeb and Francis Odinaka gave the Makurdi team a perfect start and the first half was all Lobi Stars.
However, Patrick Nwogbaga made a save for Heartland in the 73rd minute before Ezekiel Bassey scored Naze Millionaire’s equalizing goal in the second half.
Enugu Rangers secured maximum points with a 1-2 win against Doma United at the Awka City Stadium.
