NPFL: Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists mark return with wins as 3SC stumble in Ibadan
Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan made a false start to life in their first game of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign, losing 1-0 to Bayelsa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
A 30th-minute header from Kehinde Lawal earned the vital three points for the visitors, as the new-look 3SC, under head coach Nurudeen Aweroro, faltered in front of their fans.
The hosts launched several attacks to peg back their visitors, who had goalkeeper Clinton Andy to thank for pulling off several saves.
The win also marked a winning start to life for Bayelsa United’s new coach, Monday Odigie.
Meanwhile, league returnees, Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists also marked their top-flight returns with wins against Katsina United and Plateau United.
Warri Wolves secured the vital away win thanks to a 76th-minute goal from Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma, while Wikki needed a 44th-minute penalty from Luis Dadong to beat the Jos side 1-0 as well.
New boys Barau FC also forced 10-man Enyimba to a goalless draw in Kano, just as Kun Khalifat held on for a goalless draw against Rangers International in Enugu to pick their first points in the topflight.
In other results, El-Kanemi Warriors beat Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Maiduguri, Abia Warriors pipped Kano Pillars 1-0, while Ikorodu City forced Kwara United to a goalless draw in Ilorin.
The league opener between Remo Stars and Rivers United ended 1-1 in Abeokuta on Friday.
The results have set up an exciting week two, with teams chasing early points and continental spots. All fixtures will kick off at 4 p.m.
On August 30, Bendel Insurance FC hosts Shooting Stars FC in Benin. Other fixtures take place on August 31 at different venues.
Kano Pillars FC meet Wikki Tourist FC in Kano; Plateau United FC face Katsina United FC in Jos; Warri Wolves FC hosts Enugu Rangers International FC.
Kun Khalifat FC face Remo Stars FC in Owerri; Rivers United FC meet Kwara United FC in Port Harcourt; Ikorodu City FC host El-Kanemi Warriors FC in Lagos.
Bayelsa United FC hosts Barau FC in Yenagoa; Enyimba International FC welcome Niger Tornadoes FC in Aba; Nasarawa United FC hosts Abia Warriors FC in Lafia.
