3 takeaways from Matchday 1 

Remo Stars player in action against El-kanemi

NPFL 3 takeaways from Matchday 1 

Hassan Abdulsalam 22:08 - 15.01.2023

There were four away wins recorded and 24 goals in 10 matches across the country in the first week of the new season.

The drama started early in the Nigeria Premier Football League, (NPFL) as the weekend witnessed an intriguing round of football.

Newly promoted side Bendel Insurance was the first to shock the league followers with an away win over former champions Akwa United in the season's opener.

NPFL 2023

Now, in the first full weekend, Gbenga Ogunbote-led Shooting stars produced a six-goal thriller in Jos while eighth-times NPFL champions, Enyimba were one of the teams who won away.

Here are three takeaways from the Nigeria Premier Football League weekend (Matchday one).

Four Away Wins

Matchday one results might be the most surprising in the league in recent times, with four away wins recorded.

Bendel Insurance was the first team to record an away win when they shocked their host Akwa United 2-0 to kick-start their return to the league in style on Sunday.

NPFL 2023: Akwa United 0-2 Bendel Insurance

Goals from former UNIBEN Royal striker Imade Osarenkhoe and Ismael Seriki were enough for Benin Arsenal to record a win.

Also, eighth times NPFL champions, Enyimba recorded an away victory as Nasarawa United hosted the Finidi George team at the New Jos Stadium. The People’s Elephants defeated the Lafia boys 2-1.

In the oriental derby, Abia Warriors defeated Enugu Rangers at their adopted home ground, the Awka City Stadium. The Flying Antelopes suffered a 2-0 defeat from the visitors.

Tafawa Balewa Stadium Bauchi also witnessed another away win as Niger Tornadoes thrashed host Wikki Tourist 2-0.

This becomes the second away win this season - after just two NPFL matches

This is the first time that four teams will record away wins since matchday 15 of the 2020/2021 season.

Goals Galore

A total of 24 goals were recorded across ten match venues on matchday one. The match between Shooting Stars and Plateau United in Jos provided the best entertainment following a six-goal thriller.

Champions Rivers United, Lobi Stars and Nasarawa United, Enyimba fixtures witnessed three goals each.

Remo Stars, Bendel Insurance, Abia Warriors and Wikki Tourist recorded two goals each.

Six-goal thriller in Jos

It was a thriller at the New Jos stadium between Plateau United and Shooting Stars of Ibadan.

shooting stars player

The first ten minutes witnessed two goals from both sides. The Oluyole Warriors' Anthony Okachi and Akintunde Azeez gave the Ibadan-based side the lead in the 15th and 65th minutes.

Plateau United equalised through Izuchukwu Chimeze and Ifeanyi Emmanuel in the 72nd and 80th minutes respectively.

Matchday two will return during midweek with exciting fixtures

Related content

Tags: