NPFL MATCHDAY ONE: Insurance, Enyimba, Abia Warriors, Tornadoes wins away

.Four draws, two home wins 

.24 goals in ten games

By Taofeek Babalola

The 2022/23 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday one fixtures produced four away wins with Bendel Insurance, Enyimba FC, Abia Warriors as well as Niger Tornadoes recorded vital victories away from homes in the abridged league format.

The newly promoted side, Bendel Insurance opened the floodgates of away wins when the Benin Arsenals defeated Akwa United 2-0 in the first game of the season last week Saturday at the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo.

Also, the eight-time NPFL champions, Enyimba FC thrashed Nasarawa United 2-1 at the New Jos Stadium on Saturday while Enugu Rangers suffered a 2-0 defeat to Abia Warriors at their adopted home ground at Eket Stadium in Akwa Ibom State on Sunday.

In another game played at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi on Sunday, Niger Tornadoes had the better side of Wikki Tourists. Ikoh Allah spanked Tourists 2-0 to go home with all three points at stake in the match.

However, four away draws were also recorded in matchday one fixtures with Plateau United and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan game ended in a six-goal thriller. Plateau United came back three times in the game to share the spoil with 3SC at the New Jos Stadium at the weekend.

At the Samson Siasia Stadium, Ovom, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the newly promoted side, Bayelsa United were held to a 1-1 draw by Dakkada FC. Also, another new comer Doma United of Gombe and Sunshine Stars played 1-1 draw at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe. Kwara United were also forced to a goalless draw by Gombe United at their adopted home ground at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba in Ibadan.

Meanwhile, league champions, River United and Remo Stars were the two teams that secured home wins in the matchday one matches. Rivers United defeated Lobi Stars 2-1 in Port-Harcourt while Remo Stars beat newly promoted side El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri 2-0 in Ikenne.

Interestinly, the exciting week produced a total number of 24 goals in ten matches.