Ikorodu City Storm to NPFL Summit as Oga Boys Begin Season with Comeback Win

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Ikorodu City made a flying start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, coming from behind to defeat newly promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 and move to the top of the early standings.

The Oga Boys endured a difficult opening at home after Ranchers Bees stunned them with the opening goal in the seventh minute.

Ikorodu City responded with greater intensity and were rewarded in the 30th minute when Umar Dan’Azumi restored parity.

The Lagos club completed the turnaround just before the interval, with Abayomi Ayodeji finding the net to send the hosts into half-time with a 2-1 advantage.

Ikorodu City continued to press for a third goal after the restart and eventually put the contest beyond Ranchers Bees in the 87th minute.

Farouk Salami calmly converted from the penalty spot to complete the comeback and seal a 3-1 victory for the Oga Boys.

The result gives Ikorodu City an early boost in their campaign and sends a strong message about their ambitions for the new season.

Rivers United make statement

Rivers United also began their campaign on a winning note, recording a convincing 2-0 victory over Plateau United in Port Harcourt.

Abdulrasheed Dabai gave the home side an early advantage in the sixth minute before Wasiu Falolu doubled the lead in the 38th minute.

The result represents an impressive opening for last season’s runners-up as they look to mount another challenge at the top of the table.

Kwara United produce dramatic comeback

Kwara United staged one of the most dramatic comebacks of the opening weekend, fighting back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars in Ilorin.

Shola Abdulraheem put Pillars ahead in the 12th minute, while veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali extended their advantage 17 minutes later.

Kwara United refused to surrender and pulled a goal back shortly after the restart through Alex Jerry in the 47th minute.

Jerry then completed the comeback deep into stoppage time, scoring in the seventh minute of added time to secure a valuable point for the hosts.

Insurance overcome Warri Wolves

Bendel Insurance also had to come from behind to defeat Warri Wolves 2-1.

Eventus Itolowo gave Wolves the lead just five minutes into the match before Kayode Oke levelled proceedings from the penalty spot in the 20th minute.

Alex Oweilayefa completed Insurance’s turnaround two minutes into the second half as the Benin-based club claimed all three points.

Tornadoes edge Enyimba

Niger Tornadoes secured a 2-1 home victory over a revamped Enyimba in Minna.

Aliyu Goyi opened the scoring for the hosts in the 40th minute, but Enyimba fought back through Wonah Williams, who equalised in the 71st minute.

Michael Olalusi, however, restored Tornadoes’ lead eight minutes from full-time to give the hosts a winning start.

Barau FC impress on NPFL return

Barau FC also marked their campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Nasarawa United.

Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 15th minute, beginning his quest to reach his personal target of 20 goals this season.

Nasarawa United levelled five minutes later through Abubakar Abdullahi, but Barau FC regained control in the second half.

Al’Amin Umar restored their lead in the 78th minute before Sugau Aliyu added a third four minutes later to complete the victory.

Defending champions Rangers were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United at their adopted home ground in Abeokuta.

Luis Dadong put Katsina United in front in the 38th minute, leaving Rangers chasing the game for much of the afternoon.

The champions eventually found an equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time through Chibueze Oputa.

Rangers were helped by a costly goalkeeping error, with Katsina United’s goalkeeper parrying Oputa’s effort into his own net and allowing the ball to cross the line.

Doma United defeat Sporting Lagos

In Gombe, Doma United marked their return to the NPFL with a 2-0 victory over Sporting Lagos, who also returned to Nigeria’s top flight.

Sadiq Rilwan opened the scoring for Doma United in the eighth minute before Daniel Simon added a second in the 75th minute.

The result handed Doma United all three points and gave them an encouraging beginning to their return to the elite division.

With the opening weekend producing several comebacks, late goals and surprise results, the 2026/27 NPFL season has already provided an early indication that the race for the title and continental places could be fiercely contested.