By Amaechi Agbo

On Sunday, December 27, 2020, the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL 2020/2021 season kicked off across six venues in the country.

Kwara United were the highest winners in on the day after they recorded a ‘surprise’ 2-0 win against champions, Plateau United in Jos.

Below are some facts of the opening day matches with history created

There are 285 days between the last match of last season (MD25 2019/20) and the resumption of the new season (2020/21) – the longest wait period in 6 seasons. The previous season was suspended on March 18, 2020 due to rampaging Covid-19 pandemic.

Warri Wolves unbeaten run against MFM FC was shattered in Agage after the Delta State owned club lost 2-1 to the host. MFM recorded their first win against Warri Wolves in the NPFL after five attempts.

Prior to their match on Sunday, Lobi Stars were unbeaten in their last seven NPFL matches against FC Ifeanyiubah – W4 D3. Lobi Stars kept a clean sheet in the last two meetings. However there was liberation as FC Ifeanyiubah ended their seven match winless run against Lobi Stars in the NPFL after the recorded a1-0 win against the Benue boys

There have been three draws and at least an away win on Matchday 1 of the last three NPFL seasons. 2019/20, 2018/19 and 2017/18. So far, out of 9 matches played, only two draws have been recorded. Will Rivers United Vs Rangers add up the figure?

 Plateau United started and spent 85% (120/141 days) of last season at the top of the NPFL table. They never exited the top three in 2019/20. They have started the new season at the bottom

Since his last goal for Kwara United in 2018, Michael Ohanu failed to score an away goal in the NPFL until Sunday after he rejoined the Ilorin based side.

Stephen Manyo and Sadiq Abubakar made their 4th start this season, at least one more than any other player in the NPFL against Abia Warriors. They are now the only players to start all 4 games for Enyimba this season.

Abiodun Adebayo makes his 20th NPFL appearance for Enyimba FC today against Abia Warriors

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