Matchday 3 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered an unexpected turn of events, with no home team securing full points. Across the matches played on Saturday and Sunday, away teams demonstrated resilience and tactical superiority, leaving home supporters in disappointment. The standout victories from El-Kanemi Warriors, Niger Tornadoes, Remo Stars, and Rivers United on hostile grounds underlined the unpredictability of the NPFL this season.
The drama began on Saturday, with Rivers United clinching a hard-fought win over Lobi Stars at the Lafia City Stadium. Despite being outplayed for large portions of the game, Rivers United capitalized on their few opportunities, thanks to super-sub Kabir Abdullahi. After coming off the bench, Abdullahi broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, slotting home the rebound after Lobi Stars’ goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel failed to hold onto a powerful shot. The 1-0 victory for Rivers United was a significant blow to Lobi Stars, who were unable to convert their dominance into goals.
Lafia City Stadium continued to be a profitable ground for visitors as El-Kanemi Warriors earned a thrilling 4-3 victory over Nasarawa United in a pulsating encounter. Nasarawa’s Anas Yusuf lit up the game early, scoring twice in the first 20 minutes to put his team ahead. However, El-Kanemi Warriors produced a stunning comeback, netting three goals in a frantic eight-minute spell. Salihu Nasir bagged a brace, while Al-Amin Umar added a third to give the Warriors a 3-2 lead by halftime. Although Anas completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute to level the game, El-Kanemi were awarded a penalty in the dying moments, and Bright Etaghara coolly converted to seal an astonishing 4-3 triumph for the visitors.
Sunday’s action continued with more surprises. Niger Tornadoes pulled off an impressive 2-1 victory against Plateau United at the New Jos Stadium. Tornadoes went ahead through goals from Ifeanyi Okechukwu and Kufre Ebong, and while Sam Pam Jnr pulled one back for Plateau United, it wasn’t enough to prevent the home side’s defeat. Tornadoes, buoyed by their early lead, held on to claim all three points and silence the home crowd.
Meanwhile, table-toppers Remo Stars maintained their perfect start to the season, securing their third consecutive win with a 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars. Playing at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Remo Stars showcased their tactical discipline and efficiency. Sodiq Ismail opened the scoring in the first half, and Franck Mawuena doubled the lead in the second half, ensuring Remo Stars remained unbeaten without conceding a goal in their first three matches.
Elsewhere, three of Sunday’s matches ended in goalless stalemates. Newly promoted Ikorodu City earned their first-ever point in the NPFL, holding Kwara United to a 0-0 draw in Ilorin. Sunshine Stars and Abia Warriors also shared the spoils in a scoreless encounter at the Dipo Dina Stadium, while Heartland FC remained bottom of the table after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Katsina United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Heartland’s head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, continues to search for his first win of the season, as the team’s struggles persist.
Three fixtures involving heavyweights like Rangers, Enyimba, and Bendel Insurance were rescheduled to October 2. These matches, against Bayelsa United, Akwa United, and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), respectively, are highly anticipated and could have significant implications for the standings.
In a weekend defined by away victories and shocking results, the NPFL has once again proven to be one of the most unpredictable leagues in African football. Teams like Rivers United, Remo Stars, and El-Kanemi Warriors have set the tone early, while home sides will be left to regroup and reassess their strategies moving forward. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether the early dominance of away teams will continue or if home sides can reclaim their fortresses in the coming weeks.
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