The Nigeria Premier Football League’s opening fixtures on Saturday marked an exhilarating start to the NPFL season, featuring a mix of wins, draws, and high-scoring showdown in Matchday One.
Bayelsa United emerged as the standout performers of the day, orchestrating a thrilling comeback in an eight-goal spectacle at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium.
In the second half, Robert Mizo netted a remarkable hat-trick, securing a well-deserved victory after Mohammed Hadi initially put the visitors ahead, and Jerry Alex equalized for Bayelsa United.
Robert Mizo of Bayelsa United Scores the first Hat-trick of #NPFL24 ???? pic.twitter.com/MgSWD0ly17
— Walter Odigie (@Odigie_Walter) September 30, 2023
Oguntayo Seyi briefly reclaimed the lead for Akwa United, only for Robert Mizo to once again level the score.
In a sensational second half, Oguntayo Seyi added another goal for the visiting Akwa United, but it was ultimately overshadowed by Robert Mizo’s performance, sealing the comeback win for Bayelsa United.
In another exciting clash, Abia Warriors faced off against Niger Tornadoes, with John Peter’s 80th-minute strike being the sole difference between the two sides as Abia Warriors secured all three points.
The match between Enugu Rangers and Doma United ended in a 2-1 victory for the flying Antelopes. Kalu Nweke and Austine Onyemaechi scored for Rangers, with Bidemi Owuko pulling one back for Doma, making for a tense finale.
On the other hand, Lobi Stars squandered a two-goal lead against Heartland of Owerri at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
The Owerri side mounted a comeback with two late goals, erasing the early lead created by Waheed Adebayo and Francis Odinaka.
Kwara United faced a narrow defeat against Katsina United, courtesy of a 74th-minute goal from Bello Lukman.
Kano Pillars’ return to the NPFL didn’t go as planned when they visited Sunshine Stars in Akure.
The only goal of the match came early from Emmaniel Oguagu, securing a win for Sunshine Stars at Akure Stadium.
Unfortunately, Plateau United, who also made a return to the NPFL, faced a disappointing 2-1 loss when they visited Shooting Stars.
????️ Plateau United FC make it 2-1 finishing an exhilarating counter-attacking opportunity!#NPFL24
— BROADCASTER FOR NPFL ????️⚽️???????????? (@NINO_Rollanoda1) September 30, 2023
Uche Onwuansanya’s late goal couldn’t salvage the debut for Plateau United at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
With Bayelsa united topping the league table early on and their star man Robert Mizo also at the top of the scoring chat, the NPFL24 might be their season after all.
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