JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The opening weekend of the EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League delivered everything a football lover could ask for: goals, late drama, comebacks, surprise results and individual performances that immediately put new names in the spotlight.
Now the league advances to the second day and the temperature is already rising.
After Barau FC announced themselves with a 3-1 win over Nasarawa United, Rivers United opened with a resounding 2-0 win against Plateau United, while Doma United, Ikorodu City, Bendel Insurance, Niger Tornadoes and Shooting Stars also started with wins. However, defending champions Rangers International were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United.
That means that the second day comes with many questions.
Can Joseph Atule and Barau FC do it again? Will Clinton Ezekiel continue his clean sheet story with Rivers United? Can Azeez Olamilekan Falolu help Rangers to their first win? Will Akuchie Obinna produce another great goalkeeping performance for Kun Khalifat?
And perhaps most importantly: which player will become the next NPFL EuroMatch starter?
Inter Lagos vs Doma United
Friday, September 4: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos
The weekend begins in Lagos, where Inter Lagos will look for their first points in the NPFL after losing 2-1 to Shooting Stars in their historic debut in the top flight.
Doma United arrives with confidence after defeating Sporting Lagos 2-0 on the first day. Their attacking players will again enjoy their opportunities, while Inter Lagos will hope that the home support can inspire their response.
It is a first chance for the Lagos newcomers to show that their initial defeat was just the beginning of their story.
Livestock bees against Abia warriors
Sunday, September 6 – Muhammadu Dikko Stadium
There will be an emotional return to football for Ranchers Bees following the terrifying collapse suffered by Mustapha Jibrin during their first match against Ikorodu City.
The latest update that Jibrin is healthy and recovering has brought enormous relief, and the Rancheros can now turn their attention back to the field.
Standing in their way are the Abia Warriors, who drew goalless against Kun Khalifat in the matchday one match that was completed after heavy rain interrupted the original match.
Both teams are looking for their first victory.
Kano Pillars vs Niger Tornadoes
Sunday, September 6 – Sani Abacha Stadium
This could be one of the most entertaining battles of the weekend.
Kano Pillars came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Kwara United. Abdulraheem Shola scored against his former club before Rabiu Ali added another.
Meanwhile, Niger Tornadoes shocked Enyimba 2-1.
Minna’s team now travels to Kano with confidence, while Pillars will want to turn their attacking promise into three points.
Expect goals. Expect intensity.
Kun Khalifat vs Barau FC
Sunday, September 6 – Enyimba Stadium
Two of the most intriguing stories of the first day collide.
Kun Khalifat goalkeeper Akuchie Obinna put in a magnificent performance to keep a clean sheet against Abia Warriors, while Joseph Atule opened Barau FC’s campaign with a goal before his team completed a 3-1 victory.
Atule has already talked about challenging himself to score goals this season, and matchday two provides him with another opportunity to continue that personal mission.
For Akuchie, the challenge is equally clear: another clean sheet could cement him as one of the EuroMatch NPFL’s emerging goalkeepers.
Something has to give.
Nasarawa United v Bendel Insurance
Sunday, September 6 – Lafia City Stadium
Nasarawa United will be desperate to respond after their 3-1 defeat to Barau FC.
Coach Mbwas Mangut believes his team created enough chances to get something out of that match, but a poor finish proved costly.
Bendel Insurance arrives with three points after beating Warri Wolves 2-1.
This is a classic response game for Nasarawa United and a chance for Bendel Insurance to prove that their opening victory was no accident.
Plateau United vs. Kwara United
Sunday, September 6 – New Jos Stadium
Plateau United return home looking to erase the disappointment of their 2-0 loss to Rivers United.
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote has already identified the need to learn from avoidable mistakes and restructure his strategies.
Meanwhile, Kwara United showed plenty of character as they recovered from two goals down against Kano Pillars.
And with players like Alex Jerry already demonstrating their ability to create decisive moments, this could be another difficult afternoon for Ogunbote’s men.
Katsina United vs Rivers United – Postponed
This would have been one of the most fascinating matches of the weekend.
Katsina United pushed defending champions Rangers to the limit on matchday one before conceding an equalizer in added time.
Meanwhile, Rivers United made a powerful statement with their 2-0 win over Plateau United.
However, the match was postponed, meaning both teams will have to wait before resuming the battle.
Warri Wolves vs Rangers International – Postponed
The defending champions will also have to wait for their next league appearance.
Rangers rescued a point against Katsina United thanks to Chibueze Oputa’s dramatic late equalizer, while new signing Azeez Olamilekan Falolu made his debut.
The extra time will give the champions a chance to regroup before their next assignment in the EuroMatch NPFL.
Enyimba vs Shooting Stars – Postponed
Another heavyweight encounter has been postponed, meaning fans will have to wait to see Enyimba respond to their opening day loss to the Niger Tornadoes.
Meanwhile, Shooting Stars started the season with a 2-1 win over Inter Lagos.
The eventual meeting should generate a lot of intrigue.
Sporting Lagos vs Ikorodu City
Wednesday, September 30: Mobolaji Johnson Arena
The Lagos derby is postponed to September 30.
That delay just gives the device more time to build.
Ikorodu City started the campaign brightly with a 3-1 comeback win over Ranchers Bees, while Sporting Lagos lost 2-0 to Doma United.
When these two Lagos teams finally meet, the city rivalry is expected to provide another major EuroMatch NPFL attraction.
Complete schedule for the second day
Friday, September 4
Inter Lagos vs Doma United
Sunday September 6
Livestock bees against Abia warriors
Kano Pillars vs Niger Tornadoes
Kun Khalifat vs Barau FC
Nasarawa United v Bendel Insurance
Plateau United vs. Kwara United
Postponed
Enyimba against shooting stars
Warri Wolves vs Rangers International
Katsina United vs Rivers United
Wednesday, September 30
Sporting Lagos vs Ikorodu City
The official NPFL calendar confirms the schedule of the second day and the postponements.
The players are already becoming history.
This is perhaps the most exciting part of this new EuroMatch NPFL campaign.
Atule has a goal. Akuchie has been announced. Falolu has started his life with the champions. Clinton Ezekiel has started with a clean sheet. Shola Abdulraheem returned to his old club and scored.
These are the individual stories that give personality to the league.
And as the second day approaches, another player awaits his moment.
READ ALSO: EuroMatch NPFL goes into action: Rangers begin title defense as matchday one promises fireworks
The EuroMatch NPFL is no longer just about the table. It’s about the players, the personalities, the goals, the saves, the comebacks and the stories that make every matchday worth watching.
The second day is the following. Let the next chapter begin.
