The 58th season of league football in Nigeria kicked off in the iconic city of Abeokuta, where two contenders put their credentials on the line in NPFL 25/26 MD1, and Aniekeme Okon scored the opening goal of the season.
The last time a season curtain raiser happened at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Fegor Ogude of Warri Wolves scored the opening goal in a game that ended with the same result as host, Gateway United came back to nick a 1-1 scoreline.
The 2025-26 NPFL season opened on Friday with a game that carried the feel of a title clash, given how both teams have presented themselves in recent years. Champions Remo Stars hosted Rivers United at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, their temporary home while Ikenne undergoes reconstruction.
It was lively from the start, with both sides finding the net inside the opening 10 minutes. Rivers United struck first through Aniekeme Okon in the third minute, still Remo Stars wasted no time responding, Victor Mbaoma — back at the club this summer — pulling the champions level.
The match ended 1-1, but it was far from dull. There was energy, entertainment, and the kind of drama expected when two of the league’s leading contenders meet on opening day.
NPFL 25/26 MD1: Remo Stars Vs Rivers United Stats
When Remo Stars Coach Daniel Ogunmodede walked onto the pitch for the game, it was his 100th time doing so.
Ogunmodede has a record of 53 wins, 20 draws, and 27 losses while winning one league title with 132 goals scored.
For his counterpath, Finidi George, the result kept his record of never losing an opening-day NPFL game in five seasons.
Rivers United are getting their second straight point away to Remo Stars after recording 0-0 last season, while extending their unbeaten run in opening-day fixtures to 11 games.
With the first game of matchday one out of the way, the rest of the league will take a cue on Sunday to begin the race again.