Title-holders Plateau United Football Club on Sunday got their title defence underway with an away win on the opening weekend of the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The defending champions pipped hosts Nasarawa United FC 1-0 at the Lafia Township Stadium.
Substitute Raphael Ayagwa stunned the home crowd with a last-gasp winner in the 87th minute.
The tightly-contested affair saw both sides displaying good football artistry, but it was Plateau United who were more impressive in terms of possession.
The result meant Plateau United became the first title-holders to win their opening match day since 2013.
None of the champions since 2013 had won their opening game of the season, since Kano Pillars defeated Wikki Tourists 1-0 in Bauchi.
Kano Pillars (in 2014 and 2015), Enyimba (in 2016)and Rangers (in 2017) all failed to win their first games of the season.
The best result of the lot was Kano Pillars’ 1-1 draw at Giwa FC of Jos in 2014.
Eight other matches were played on Sunday, but the most astounding was Niger Tornadoes FC’s 2-0 win over hosts Kwara United FC in Ilorin.
The result moved the Minna side to the top of the log, ahead of Abia Warriors FC who beat visiting MFM FC of Lagos 2-0 in Umuahia after a brace from Ndifreke Effiong.
Akwa United are joint leaders after beating Rangers International FC of Enugu 2-0 in Uyo, after goals from Kelly Oahimijie and Denis Nyi in the 37th and 66th minutes respectively.
FC IfeanyiUbah of Nnewi beat newcomers Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu 2-1 to be fourth on the log.
Rivers United are joint fifth with Plateau United after beating visiting El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri 1-0.
Guy Keumian’s 67th minute goal at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt gave the hosts the win.
Wikki Tourists are also in fifth with Rivers United and Plateau United after beating Go Round FC of Port Harcourt 1-0 in Bauchi.
In joint eighth place are Katsina United and Kano Pillars who had drawn 2-2 in Katsina on Saturday, while Lobi Stars and Enyimba International of Aba drew 1-1 in Makurdi to be joint 10th.
Heartland FC of Owerri drew goalless at home in Owerri with Sunshine Stars of Akure to be joint 12th.
The league continues with Match Day 2 fixtures on Wednesday.
