Kwara win as NPFL resumes after nine-month break

The Nigeria Professional Football League returned to action for the first time after a nine-month break with matches in six venues across the country.

The league had been on break after the 2019/20 season was suspended in March and subsequently cancelled in August following the outbreak of COVID-19.

Kwara United recorded the week’s only away victory, defeating last season’s league leaders, Plateau United, 2-0 at the New Jos Stadium.

The Afonja Warriors scored two quick second half goals through Jide Fatokun and Michael Ohanu in the 62nd and 67th minutes to snatch victory.

Also, MFM FC defeated Warri Wolves 2-1 at the Agege Stadium. All the goals were scored within the first 30 minutes, with Ebenezer Odeyemi and Muyiwa Balogun finding the back of the net for MFM in the seventh and 23rd minutes, while John Chinedu pulled one back for Wolves in the 27th minute.

Nasarawa United came from a goal down to win 2-1 against Wikki Tourist at the Lafia Township Stadium.

Wikki’s Promise Damala put the visitors in front in the fourth-minute. Bright Ihonu’s seventh-minute own goal reduced the deficit for the hosts, while Reuben Nicodemus’ 52nd minute strike gave Nasarawa the maximum points.

There were also lone-goal victories for FC IfeanyiUbah over Lobi Stars and Jigawa Golden Stars over Sunshine Stars. Nonso Nzediegwu scored IfeanyiUbah’s only goal in the 47th minute, while Onukwube Emeka secured victory for Jigawa with his goal in the 78th minute.

The day’s only draw was at the Gombe Township Stadium Pantami, where Adamawa United forced visitors Kano Pillars to a 1-1 draw.

Pillars went ahead through veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali, who scored in the 14th minute, but were denied an away victory after defender Musa Abdullahi put the ball in his own net in the 76th minute.

The other four fixtures which could not hold on Sunday will all take place within the week, with Katsina United hosting Heartland, and Akwa United at home to Dakkada FC in a local derby at the Nest of Champions, Uyo. Both games hold on Monday (today).

Enyimba and Abia Warriors will also slug it out in another local derby in Aba on Tuesday, while Rivers United – fresh from their 2-0 away victory over Bloemfontein Celtic in the CAF Confederation Cup – will host Enugu Rangers at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.