NPFL: Champions Rangers stumble against Katsina Utd in season opener
Defending champions Enugu Rangers got off to a disappointing start to the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League season with a 1-1 draw at home against Katsina United on Sunday in Abeokuta.
The encounter was played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta due to the ongoing renovations at the club’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Luis Dadong opened the scoring for Katsina United seven minutes before the break to give the visitors a first half lead.
Chibueze Oputa rescued a point for Enugu Rangers deep into stoppage time to ensure a share of the spoils in Abeokuta.
Enyimba suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.
Aliyu Goyi and Michael Olalusi scored for the hosts while Wonah Williams was on target for Enyimba.
It was a disappointing start for the nine-time champions who finished 11th last season.
Rivers United earned a 2-0 win over Plateau United in Port-Harcourt thanks to goals from Abdulrasheed Dabai and Wasiu Falolu.
The trio of Joseph Atule, Al’Amin Umar and Sugau Aliyu were on target to lead FC Barau to a 3-1 win over Nasarawa United in Kaduna.
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Kwara United fought back from a 2-0 deficit to play out a 2-2 draw with Kano Pillars.
Shola Abdulraheem and Rabiu Ali gave Kano Pillars a 2-0 lead before Alex Jerry scoffed a brace to snatch a point for Kwara United.
Bendel Insurance pipped Warri Wolves 2-1 after going behind 1-0 through Eventus Itolowo’s goal.
Kayode Oke and Alex Oweilayefa turned the tide around for the Benin Arsenal to hand them the maximum points.
Doma United earned a 2-0 win over Sporting Lagos in Gombe while Ikorodu City defeated Ranchers Bees 3-1.
Up next for Enugu Rangers is a clash against
Full Results
Barau 3-1 Nasarawa United
Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
Rangers 1-1 Katsina United
Dona United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Wolves
