NPFL: Goal rush as 8 games complete matchday one on Sunday
The highest number of goals was scored at the New Jos Stadium where Plateau United have to dig deep to rally from two goals deficit to salvage a draw against Shooting Stars of Ibadan in the feisty encounter.
By Olusola Adebayo
It was a goal rush on Sunday in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL as eight matches were played to complete match day one of the 2023 season.
The highest number of goals was scored at the New Jos Stadium where Plateau United have to dig deep to rally from two goals deficit to salvage a draw against Shooting Stars of Ibadan in the feisty encounter.
The much rejuvenated Oluyole Warriors were cruising to a 3-1 victory away from home but the Fidelis Ilechukwu boys were able to rescue a point to make 3-3 to have a share of the spoil.
Remo Stars shone through in Ikenne as Elkanemi Warriors were put to the sword.
The warriors were down by 2-0 at the Remo Stars to start the new season on a winning note to the delight of the cheering fans at the stadium.
The defending champion, Rivers United started their defense at home brightly as they edged Lobi Stars by 2-1 while Rangers International and Wikki Tourists suffered a 2-0 defeat at home in the hands of Abia Warriors and Niger Tornadoes respectively.
It ended 1-1 in the battle of Niger Delta creek between Bayelsa United and Dakkada FC.
The same score line panned out between Doma United and Sunshine stars as the newcomer scored their first-ever NPFL goal and point in their first game in the elite division.
The only one that failed to produce any goal was the match in Ibadan between Kwara United and Gombe United with the Afonja Warriors spurning lots of scoring opportunities.
On Sunday alone a total of 19 goals were in 8 centers while Enyimba FC defeated Nasarawa United by 2-1 on Sunday and Bendel Insurance shocked Akwa United by inflicting a 2-0 opening day defeat in the played on Sunday, 8th January 2023.
With all the 2023 matchday 1 completed a total of 24 goals were scored which resulted in a massive 4 away victories and 4 draws with only two home victories averaging 2.4 goals per match.
All matchday one results
Group A
Kwara United 0-0 Gombe United
Plateau United 3-3 Shooting Stars
Remo Stars 2-0 Elkanemi Warriors
Nasarawa United 1-2 Enyimba
Akwa United 0-2 Bendel Insurance
Group B
Rangers 0-2 Abia Warriors
Bayelsa United 1-1 Dakkada
Doma United 1-1 Sunshine Stars
Rivers United 2-1 Lobi Stars
Wikki Tourists 0-2 Niger Tornadoes
