Defending champions, Enyimba FC of Aba, began their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title defence on a sour note after suffering a shocking 1-0 loss to Rivers United at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.
The Peoples Elephants’ were beaten thanks to a second half free-kick from Frederick Obomate five minutes pass the hour mark.
The defeat climaxes a disappointing week for the two-time African champions following their loss away to Uganda’s SC Vipers in the CAF Champions League, then Akwa United in the Charity Shield.
In other games, Nasarawa United were the victim of the fire and brimstone from new boys, Mountain of Fire Ministries FC (MFM FC) who made an instant statement on the elite division with a crucial 2-1 away victory in Lafia.
Former Sunshine Stars striker, Musa Newman, shot MFM in front after just 18 minutes.
The visitors doubled their lead in 33 minutes through Chukwuka Emmanuel.
Ifeanyi Nweke pulled a goal back for Nasarawa in the 75th minute, but the home team could not muster enough to at least get a share of the spoils on the day.
But it wasn’t just MFM FC that recorded an away victory; three other clubs cruised to victory in unfamiliar ground.
Wiki Tourist, Ifeanyi Ubah and Lobi Stars all defied the odds to win away from home at El Kanemi, Giwa FC and Shooting Stars.
Full week one results
Rivers United 1-0 Enyimba
El Kanemi 0-1 Wiki Tourists
Giwa FC 0-1 Ifeanyi Ubah
Heartland 0-0 Warri Wolves
Ikorodu United 1-1 Abia Warriors
Kano Pillars 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Nasarawa United 1-2 MFM FC
Shooting Stars 0-1 Lobi Stars
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Akwa United
