Enyimba’s young manager Yemi Olanrewaju masterminded a stunning 3-1 away win over Emmanuel Amuneke’s Heartland FC today in Owerri as the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL opened with a comprehensive fixture list.
Suraj Lawal shot Heartland ahead in the 54th minute but Ifeanyi Ihemekwele’s equaliser on 65 minutes plus a quick fire brace by Clinton Jephta on 71 and 73 minutes earned the People’s Elephants the win.
Heartland had prepared for the new season with the acquisition of 30 new players and former Africa player of the year Amuneke as coach.
The loss could be a sign of teething problems pending when the team beds in.
There were no such issues for last season’s runners-up Remo Stars and Niger Tornadoes who also recorded away wins respectively in Umuahia and Ilorin.
Remo beat Abia Warriors 2-0 with one cap Super Eagles’ defender Ismail Sodiq grabbing one of the goals while Tornadoes inflicted a 2-1 defeat on Kwara United.
In Katsina, newly promoted Ikorodu City faced some baptism of fire as league veteran Rabiu Ali inspired Kano Pillars to a 3nil home win over the Lagos based side.
Ali scored a brace in the 70th and 80th minute to further cement his unending legendary status in the top-flight.
Sunshine Stars hammered visiting Bayelsa United 3-0, Plateau United edged visitors Katsina United 1-0, Shooting Stars pulled off a 1-1 away draw to Nasarawa United while Bendel Insurance drew goalless at home against Rivers United.
Pillars and Sunshine, with identical statistics, jointly occupy top spot in the standings.
SOURCE: WORAMANGRA