20th February, 2016
Taiwo Adelu
Plateau United’s Charles Okafor made history as the player who scored the first goal of the 2015/2016 season of Nigeria Professional Football League which kicked off Saturday.
Okafor’s 16th minute goal at the Jos Rwang Pam Stadium ensured that Plateau United, who gained promotion last season have an upper hand to beat their visitors, another promoted team, Niger Tornadoes 2-1 to not only win their first match of the season, but garnered the three points to lead the table a day before other matches of Day One on Sunday.
Interestingly, players of the newly promoted clubs have been scoring the first goal of the season in the last three seasons. While Okafor of Plateau United scored the first of 2015/16 season, Victor Yakubu of Wikki Tourist FC scored first in the 2014/15 season and Bobby Abel of FC Taraba scored the first goal in the 2013/14 season.
Plateau United held on to that one goal throughout the first half, only to cave in for Kunle Issa to score the equaliser for Tornadoes in the 64th minute.
The winner, however, came for the home team in the 87th minute through Ibeh Johnson who sealed the fate of the Tornadoes boys.
Meanwhile, there are nine other matches scheduled for Sunday. These include Rivers United FC, formerly Dolphin of Port Harcourt trading tackles with Enyimba International FC in Port Harcourt.
Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan will be agog when Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) play Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi.
Sunshine Stars returned to Akure after a ban as they play against Akwa United FC.
Newly promoted Lagos-based team, Ikorodu United FC will test their strength against Abia Warriors at the Onikan Waterfront Stadium, Lagos Island.
El-Kanemi Warriors FC face Wikki Tourists, while Heartland FC play against Warri Wolves FC.
In other matches, Kano Pillars trade tackles with Rangers International FC, Giwa versus FC Ifeanyi Ubah and Nasarawa United will host another Lagos-based team, newly promoted MFM FC.