Enyimba defeated Heartland 3-1 in a thrilling oriental derby at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday.
The hosts took the lead through Suraj Lawal in the 53rd minute.
Enyimba however rallied to win the game through goals from Ifeanyi Ihemekwele and Clinton Jephthah’s brace.
Last season’s runners-up Remo Stars recorded a 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in Umuahia.
Sodiq Ismail and Jide Fatokun scored the two goals for Remo Stars.
Niger Tornadoes also won on the road, edging out Kwara United 2-1 in Ilorin.
Godstime Joseph gave the visitors the lead two minutes after the half hour mark, while Sabiu Ibrahim doubled the advantage in the 69th minute.
Sadiq Yusuf reduced the deficit for Kwara United in stoppage time.
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At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Bendel Insurance were held to a 0-0 draw by Rivers United.
New boys Ikorodu City were thrashed 3-0 by Kano Pillars in their maiden Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) outing.
Rabiu Ali bagged a brace for Pillars with Mustapha Umar scoring the other goal.
In Lafia, Shooting Stars and Nasarawa United battled to a 1-1 draw.
The home team took the lead courtesy of Anas Yusuf’s 59th minute penalty.
Shooting Stars however earned a share of spoils with Samuel Ayanrinde equalising in added time.
Elsewhere, Sunshine Stars defeated Bayelsa United 3-0 at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode.
Seidu Salisu, Promise Awosanmi and Stephen Chukwude got the goals for the Owena Waves.
FULL RESULTS
Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars
Sunshine Stars 3-0 Bayelsa Utd
Nasarawa Utd 1-1 3SC
Heartland 1-3 Enyimba
Kwara Utd 1-2 Tornadoes
Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers Utd
Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City
Plateau Utd 1-0 Katsina Utd
By Adeboye Amosu
