The 2025/26 NPFL season exploded into life with early goals, late drama, and everything in between
The wait is over. After months of anticipation, the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season kicked off yesterday with a blockbuster clash that lived up to every expectation. Defending champions Remo Stars welcomed last season’s runners-up Rivers United to the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, and what followed was 90 minutes of pure Nigerian football magic.
The final scoreline: Remo Stars 1-1 Rivers United, a result that perfectly captured the competitive balance between two of the league’s finest teams.
Lightning Start Sets the Tone
Football fans barely had time to settle into their seats before the action began. In just the 3rd minute, Rivers United struck first blood through Aniekeme Okon, who rose majestically to head home a perfectly weighted cross. The irony? Okon was facing his former employers, making his early goal even sweeter for the traveling support.
But if Rivers United thought they could silence the Abeokuta crowd early, they were sorely mistaken.
Just six minutes later, Remo Stars roared back through Victor Mbaoma, the striker who has become synonymous with crucial goals. Fed by a delightful through ball from Samuel Anakwe, Mbaoma showed the composure and clinical finishing that made him one of the most feared forwards in the league. 1-1, and the champions were level.
A Battle of Tactical Chess
What followed was a masterclass in modern Nigerian football. Both teams showed why they finished in the top two positions last season, trading tactical blows and creating genuine scoring opportunities throughout the contest.
Remo Stars, playing in front of their passionate home support, looked to impose their attacking philosophy. Their quick passing combinations and movement off the ball created several half-chances, though Rivers United’s defensive organization remained largely intact.
Rivers United, under the guidance of their experienced coaching staff, demonstrated the resilience and counter-attacking threat that carried them so far last season. Even when pegged back early, they continued to pose questions of the Remo Stars defense.
Late Drama Changes Everything
Just when it seemed both teams would be content with sharing the points, stoppage time delivered one final twist. Temple Emekayi of Rivers United received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle, leaving his teammates to see out the final moments with just ten men.
The numerical advantage gave Remo Stars a late surge of momentum, but Rivers United’s defensive resolve held firm. The final whistle confirmed what many had suspected, this would be a season where every point would be precious.
What This Result Tells Us
For Remo Stars: The draw extends their solid record in season openers and shows they can respond under pressure. However, dropping two points at home against direct title rivals might sting as the season develops. The positive? Victor Mbaoma looks sharp and ready to lead their title defense.
For Rivers United: Taking a point away from home against the reigning champions, despite finishing with ten men, represents a strong start. Aniekeme Okon’s early strike against his former club will give them confidence, and their defensive discipline bodes well for the challenges ahead.
For the NPFL: If this opener is anything to go by, we’re in for a thrilling season. The quality of play, tactical sophistication, and competitive balance suggests the league continues to grow in strength and entertainment value.
Looking Ahead
The NPFL season is just getting started, and both teams will have opportunities to build on this opener:
- Remo Stars travel to face Kun Khalifat FC in their next fixture
- Rivers United return home to host Kwara United, the 2025 Federation Cup champions
Final Thoughts
Football purists will have loved this opener, two well-organized teams playing attractive football with genuine goal threats and tactical intelligence. The early goals ensured entertainment from the first whistle, while the late red card added the kind of drama that makes Nigerian football so compelling.
As both sets of supporters head home, they’ll know their teams are capable of challenging for major honors this season. The 1-1 draw might not have provided a definitive winner, but it served as the perfect appetizer for what promises to be another memorable NPFL campaign.
The message is clear: the 2025/26 NPFL season has arrived, and it’s going to be special.
What did you make of the season opener? Share your thoughts on the performance of both teams and your predictions for the season ahead.
