It was goal galore in the opening matchday of the 2023/24 NPFL season in Yenagoa as Bayelsa United secured a 5-3 over Akwa United in a South-South derby, with forward Robert Mizo scoring a hattrick.

Akwa United scored in the 20th minute through Hadi Mohammed before Alex Jerry equalised for the hosts seven minutes later. The latter went on to take the lead two more times in the game through Seyi Oguntayo on both occasions.

However, treble goals by Mizo started before the halftime break and ended in the 82nd minute. Emmanuel Gomez’s stoppage time goal crowned the victory for Bayelsa United against the 2020/21 league champions.

In Awka, Anambra State, Enugu Rangers, at home, kicked off the new season with a 2-1 win over Doma United, courtesy of Godwin Obale and Kalu Nweke’s first-half goals. Bidemi Owoku scored Doma’s only goal in the 85th minute.

Katsina United pipped Kwara United by a lone goal, thanks to Bello Lukman’s second-half strike. In Ibadan, Shooting Stars defeated visitors Plateau United 2-1.

Ayobami Adekunle gave Shooting the leeway as Anayo Ogbonna doubled the lead while Uche Unwosanya scored Plateau United’s consolation goal in the encounter.

Meanwhile, John Peter scored the only goal as Abia Warriors secured a narrow 1-0 win against Niger Tornadoes. Heartland and Lobi Stars played the only draw on the opening day in a 2-2 stalemate in Owerri.

In the seven matches played today, 21 goals were scored, six home wins and a draw were recorded across the venues. 

On Monday, Sporting Lagos will play Gombe United, while the games between Rivers United vs. Remo Stars and Enyimba vs Bendel Insurance were postponed. The postponement is due to Rivers and Insurance continental engagements.