The 2025–26 Nigeria Premier Football League season kicked off with drama, tight contests, and two crucial away wins as Warri Wolves and Bayelsa United made the biggest statements of the opening round, Soccernet.ng reports.

Defending champions Remo Stars began their title defence on Friday evening with a 1-1 draw against Rivers United in Abeokuta.

That set the tone for a competitive weekend, with eight of the remaining nine fixtures played simultaneously on Sunday afternoon.

The standout result came in Ibadan, where Shooting Stars were undone by Bayelsa United.

Kehinde Lawal rose highest on 30 minutes to head home the decisive goal, silencing the Lekan Salami Stadium and handing Bayelsa a perfect start to the campaign.

A sweet, sweet Sunday #NPFL26 pic.twitter.com/TtaK7BY0S1

— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) August 24, 2025

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In Katsina, Wolves showed patience before striking late through Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma, whose 76th-minute finish was enough to secure maximum points against Katsina United.

It was one of the day’s most hard-fought victories and showed the Warri side’s intent to push higher this term.

Elsewhere, Abia Warriors edged a dramatic clash with Kano Pillars. Paul Samson gave the hosts the lead on 35 minutes, but the game ended in controversy when Pillars thought they had levelled in stoppage time, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

DRAMA IN UMUAHIA

Pillars score at the death, but the goal is ruled out for offside.

So, so close to stealing a point against Abia Warriors FC.#NPFL26 #ABIPIL pic.twitter.com/SwBBxuPBiE

— NPFL News (@NPFL_News) August 24, 2025

Wikki Tourists also opened with a win, as Luis Dadong converted a penalty just before half-time to down Plateau United 1-0 in Bauchi.

El-Kanemi Warriors, back in the topflight, produced a strong display at home to Bendel Insurance. Al’amin Umar put them ahead from the spot early in the second half before Daddy Abdulrahman doubled the advantage on 66 minutes. Even a late red card for Zayyad Musa did not stop the Maiduguri club from sealing a 2-0 win.

Newly promoted sides found life tougher.

Barau held 9-time champions Enyimba to a goalless draw, while Kun Khalifat earned a creditable point away at Enugu Rangers. Kwara United and debutants Ikorodu City also shared a cagey 0-0.

The weekend belonged to Bayelsa and Wolves, who reminded the league that winning away from home remains one of the toughest feats in the NPFL.