NPFL 26: Shooting Stars Fall at Home as El- Kanemi powered past Bendel Insurance

By Nengi Ernest 

Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan endured a disappointing start to their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign after suffering a 1-0 home defeat to Bayelsa United on Sunday.

The Oluyole Warriors, led by new management, had hoped to open their season with victory, but Kehinde Malik’s first-half header silenced the packed Lekan Salami Stadium and proved enough to seal the points for the visitors.

Elsewhere, Ikorodu City forced Kwara United to a goalless draw in Ilorin, while Elkanemi Warriors, despite being reduced to ten men, powered past Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Maiduguri. Al-amin Umar struck in the 50th minute before former Shooting Stars midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman doubled the lead on 65 minutes. Skipper Musa Zayyad was later sent off, but the home side held firm.

2024 champions Rangers were held to a goalless draw by newcomers Kun Khalifat in Enugu, while Wikki Tourists marked their top-flight return with a 1-0 win over Plateau United in Bauchi, thanks to Lius Dadong’s penalty just before half-time.

At the Umuahia Township Stadium, CAF Confederation Cup hopefuls Abia Warriors defeated Kano Pillars 1-0 through Paul Samson’s lone strike, while NPFL debutants Barau FC settled for a goalless draw against 10-man Enyimba in Kano.

In Katsina, Warri Wolves made a winning return to the elite division, shocking hosts Katsina United 1-0 courtesy of Igbunu Evwierhurhona’s 76th-minute effort.

The opening week wraps up on Wednesday when Niger Tornadoes face Nasarawa United in Ilorin.