The Nigerian Premier League kicked off on Saturday to a record setting beginning. There were 21 goals in the first seven matches of the first day.
While the match in Akure may have produced the minimum goal as home side had a 1-0 win over NPL returnee, Kano Pillars, it was all the same significant.
Sunshine Stars lone goal by Isaac Emmanuel in the eighth minute is the first goal of the new season. But the star man of the day is Robert Mizo of Bayelsa United in a goal-laden encounter with Akwa United. The hosts won 5-3.
In the eight-goal encounter, Mizo scored the first three goals for Bayelsa United. Goal scoring seems to be a habit.
Last season, he put in nine goals.
Shooting Stars also started on a winning note in a fixture that is akin to last season’s when both played 3-3 in Jos. This time, Shooting Stars at home won 2-1 to have one of their best season’s opener in recent time.
Abia Warriors also won their opening home game, 1-0 against Niger Tornadoes.
The first drawn match of the season is the 2-2 duel of Heartland and Lobi Stars. In other matches, Enugu Rangers beat Doma United 2-1 while Katsina United recorded a 1-0 win over Kwara United.
Match Day 1 Results
- Enugu Rangers 2-1 Doma United
- Katsina Utd 1-0 Kwara Utd
- Shooting stars 2-1 Plateau Utd
- Bayelsa United 5-3 Akwa Utd
- Abia Warriors 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
- Heartland FC 2-2 Lobi Stars
- Sunshine stars 1-0 Kano Pillars
