NPFL OPENER: Kwara Utd shock Plateau in Jos, Damala scores season’s first goal

 

.As Nicodemus nets first brace

.Rabiu Ali scores in his 11th season

 

By Taofeek Babalola

 

Action finally resumed in the much-awaited 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday after a 9-month break due to Covid-19 pandemic with exciting results in the match-day one fixtures across the centers, Sportinglens.blogspot.com reports. 

Six matches were played on Sunday while the remaining four games have been fixed for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

Promise Damala of Wikki Tourists scored the first goal of the season at the Lafia Township Stadium in the fifth minute during the game against Nasarawa United to give the visitors a shock lead but the celebration was cut short two minutes later when Reuben Nicodemus equalized for the home team. Nicodemus completed his first brace of the season when he scored again in the 52nd minute to give the Solid Miners all three points.

In Jos, it was a game to be remembered for Plateau United as the coach Abdu Maikaba tutored side suffered a 2-0 home defeat to the visiting Kwara United at the New Jos Stadium. Their first home lost in the NPFL.

The Harmony Boys proved to be hard nut to crack for Plateau United in Jos as second half goals from Jide Fatokun and Michael Ohanu ensured victory for the coach Abdullahi Biffo led-side.

At Pantami Stadium in Gombe, Adamawa United forced Kano Pillars to a 1-1 draw. Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali scored for the visitors in his 11th season for Sai Masu Gida while Isa Garba equalized for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM) started their campaign on a winning note with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Warri Wolves at the Agege Township Stadium, Lagos.

In Kaduna, Jigawa Golden Stars piped Sunshine Stars 1-0 while FC Ifenayi Ubah also defeated Lobi Stars with the same margin in Umuahia, Abia State.

Meanwhile, two games would be played on Monday. Katsina United will host Heartland FC while the Uyo derby clash between Akwa United and Dakkada FC earlier scheduled for Sunday would be played this afternoon at the Nest of Champions. The game is expected to be shown live on The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) by 4pm.

On Tuesday, Enyimba FC will lock horns with Abia Warriors in another derby clash at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. The game would be televised on The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) by 4pm.

The last game of match day one fixtures will be played between Rivers United and Rangers International FC of Enugu in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.