THE SHOW BEGINS.....COMPILED BY ABAYOMI ADEMETAN

The Nigeria Professional Football League started with  fantastic performance on the part of the actors.13 goals were scored,two away wins were recorded,two away draws and six home wins.

Abayomi Ademetan takes a look at the ten explosive battles that went on across the football plantation in Nigeria. 

At Nnmadi  Azikwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers continued to mount another push to the NPFL title with a slim one-nil win against rivals Enyimba of Aba.A mix-up in the box saw Bitrus Dada netting the first goal in the current campaign.

At the refurbished Akure Township Stadium,impressive Ibrahim Ajani broke the resilience in the veins of Kaduna United with  a first half strike,that was enough to give Sunshine the maximum points.It was a sweet start to Samuel Abimbola’s task as the chief coach of Sunshine Stars.

In Owerri,John Aranka-tutored Nembe City side sent a warning signal to rivals ,with a deserved 2-1 victory over Heartland.The 2012 NFF Fed Cup champions paraded their big names.

League champions Kano Pillars needed a fantastic free-kick from midfield general Rabiu Ali to silence the noisy fans of Wikki Tourists in Bauchi on Sunday.

 

Advocates and fans of the game were impressed with what was on offer in Uyo.Akwa United twice hit the woodwork before breaking the deadlock in a league match against Dolphins.A neat finish from Ubong Ekpai three minutes before the hour sent the home fans to wild celebration.

In Lafia,another tough derby ended goalless.Elkanemi Warriors fought hard and forced Nasarawa United to a deserved draw.

The rumble in Ilorin ended in a boring goalless draw.ABS and Kwara United took the safety lane and thus ended the encounter 0-0.

Another two goals rush was harvested in Lekan Salami Stadium as hosts,Shooting Stars hit Gombe United 2-0.Goals in the first half  from the boots of Tony Edjomariegwe and Osaghona Ighodalo ensured the three points stayed within the home side.

At Samson Siasia Stadium,Blessing Okardi was the shinning light in Bayelsa United’s slim one-nil win over Lobi Stars.The former Ocean Boys skipper was applauded by the home fans.

At Sharks Stadium,Austin Eguavoen-less Sharks defeated Warri Wolves 2-1.Fredick Obamate and George Amakiri were the scorers for the home side,while Yakubu Hakeem reduced the tally in the 22^nd minute.There was controversy in the game when the referee denied the away side a deserved equalizer.