Three observations from NPFL opening day games

The 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League – NPFL season kicked off on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Here are three observations from the opening day.

GOAL RAIN 

Twenty-one goals were scored in seven matches on the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League season opening day.

It is noteworthy that all twenty-one goals came from open play (zero penalty) , with the Bayelsa United FC vs Akwa United FC match producing the highest number of goals (8).

FIRST HAT-TRICK ON THE OPENING DAY

Bayelsa United FC striker Robert Mizo scored a hat-trick to help Bayelsa United FC defeat Akwa United FC 5-3 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenegoa on Saturday, September 30.

A statement of his intention to gun for the NPFL top-scorer award.

TV FRIENDLY MATCH VENUES

The opening day matches were streamed live. Whether, it is the effects from camera used or a sign that NPFL clubs have worked on their playing turf, truth is , fans really enjoyed TV Friendly match venues.

A particular example is the Umuahia Township Stadium, which played host to the Abia Warriors vs Niger Tornadoes game, the environment was clean unlike past years.

RESULTS

Shooting stars 2-1 Plateau Utd
Bayelsa United 5-3 Akwa Utd
Abia warriors 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
Heartland FC 2-2 Lobi Stars
Sunshine stars 1-0 Kano Pillars
Enugu Rangers 2-1 Doma united
Katsina Utd 1-0 Kwara Utd

NEXT: There are three more games to conclude matchday one. Sporting Lagos vs Gombe United FC plus the games involving CAF Confederation Cup campaigners, Rivers United FC and Bendel Insurance FC.