Round Up NPFL Match Day 1.

It was contrasting outcomes for last season’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions and runners-up Plateau United and MFM FC respectively in this season’s opening matchday.

Plateau United left it late to see off their hosts Nasarawa United 1-0 at the Lafia City Stadium but it was a different story for MFM who were beaten two-nil at Abia Warriors.

The champions did not show any sign of their poor form at the NPFL Invitational Tournament in Kano last month as they marched Nasarawa United toe to toe.

The Jos however needed a last gasp attempt from new signing Raphael Ayagwa, who only came on for Benjamin Turba, to sign off the game in excellent fashion in Lafia on a winning note. It is the first time since 2013 that a title holder will win their first game of the season.

At the Umuahia Township Stadium, MFM starting life without Stephen Odey who was their top scorer last season and Sikiru Olatunbosun missing among their matchday squad could only hold off Abia Warriors in the first period.

Two second half goals by Ndifreke Effiong for Abia Warriors in the space of 14 minutes ended MFM’s resistance.

Enyimba were held by Lobi Stars after Ezekiel Mbah’s goal cancelled out Chinedu Udeagha while Guy Keumian Venance scored once again for the second season in an opening game for Rivers United and against El-Kanemi Warriors to help his team to a 1-0 success.

AKWA UTD HALT POOR RUN AGAINST RANGERS

Aiteo Cup holders Akwa United were not ready to play second fiddle once more to their bogey team Rangers. The Promise Keepers defeated Rangers 2-0 on Sunday for the first time in six league meetings.

Goals by new signings Kelly Kester and Dennis Nya ensured that Akwa United defeated Rangers for the first time in more than two years.

PROMOTED SIDES FIND TOP-FLIGHT TOUGH

The promoted clubs found the first matchday difficult as none of them won. Go Round FC, Kwara United and Yobe Desert Stars all lost while Heartland were held 0-0 at home by Sunshine Stars.

Tornadoes hit Kwara United 2-0 in front of their fans with a goal in each half. Eric Frimpong and Ibrahim Babawo scored for last year’s Aiteo Cup finalists Tornadoes.

Yobe Stars temporarily put themselves in contention at FC Ifeanyiubah when Chinedu Ohanachom levelled score at 1-1 after Godwin Obaje had scored in the 37th minute.

Former 3SC midfielder Gabriel Shola Adeboye headed in the winner off a Solomon Nsude flick from Francis Saviour’s free kick.

Newcomers to the top division Go Round lost 0-1 to Wikki Tourists. Former Kano Pillars man Nafiu Kabuga scored the winner.