January, 16 2023.
The Nigerian top flight league resumed from a prolonged break, last week Sunday, with promoted Insurance of Benin defeating Akwa United 2-0 in the curtain raiser, played at the Godswill Apkabio International Stadium, in Uyo.
The delayed 2022/2023 Season which though retained the acronym NPFL, meaning Nigeria Professional Football League; had a slight change in nomenclature, Nigeria Premier Football League as announced by the new body saddled with the task of running the league.
While many hailed the season opener in Uyo, for the top quality displaced by both sides, it was the road win that induced the loudest ovation.
Put together, Matchday 1 of the NPFL was the true definition of the trills, frills, and the ecstacy inherent in the Nigerian League, of old.
24 well taken goals were scored in all 10 Day 1 fixtures, make that an average of 2.4 goals per match, and with the likes of Bendel Insurance, Enyimba, Niger Tornadoes of Minna, and Abia Warriors recording eye-catching away wins, the excitement knew no bounds.
On the other hand, the likes of Dakkada FC of Uyo, Sunshine Stars of Akure, Gombe United and Shooting Star SC of Ibadan were in the mix, recording draws, while putting in descent shifts, on the road.
It meant the title holders, Rivers United of Port Harcourt, and Remo Stars of Ikenne, who finished third and were two of the four teams to represent Nigeria, in CAF's Inter-Club Championships were the only teams that won at home on Day 1.
There was only One red card issued on matchday 1 to Sunday Chinedu of Lobi Stars of Makurdi, www.ckdmedia.ng reports.
Otherwise, it was a wonderful way to get this term underway
4 Away Wins
4 Draws
2 Home Wins
1 game failed to produce a goal
24 Goals or 2.4 goals per game
14 clubs or 70% Were on Target Plateau Utd. Vs 3SC Ibadan, Produced 6 Goals.
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