Kano Pillars held their nerve to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Niger Tornadoes, while Doma United maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a narrow win away to Inter Lagos.
The two results were among the standout outcomes from NPFL Matchday 2, with several clubs picking up important points as the new campaign begins to take shape.
Kano Pillars produced the most dramatic result of the matchday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, defeating Niger Tornadoes 3-2.
The hosts took control shortly before half-time when Ubong Friday opened the scoring in the 40th minute.
Fabian Nworie Maduabuchi then doubled Pillars’ advantage in first-half stoppage time, giving the home side a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.
Maduabuchi completed his brace nine minutes after the restart to put Kano Pillars 3-0 ahead and seemingly in complete control of the contest.
However, Niger Tornadoes refused to give up.
Godfrey Joseph pulled one back in the 73rd minute before Wasiu Jimoh scored again in the 90th minute to make the final stages extremely tense.
Despite the late pressure, Kano Pillars held on for the three points.
The victory also gave Daniel Ogunmodede his first win as Kano Pillars coach.
While Kano Pillars were forced to defend their advantage late on, Doma United continued their impressive start to the campaign.
Doma defeated Inter Lagos 1-0 away from home, making it two victories from two matches in the 2026/27 NPFL season.
Sadiq Rilwan scored the decisive goal in the 71st minute, giving Doma United another valuable three points.
The result means Doma United have six points from their opening two games and have yet to concede a goal.
Their perfect record places them at the top of the early NPFL standings, with the club already showing signs of being one of the teams to watch as the season develops.
Plateau United claimed their first victory of the season with a 1-0 success against Kwara United.
Alex Aghahowa scored the only goal of the match in the 29th minute as Plateau United secured all three points.
Nasarawa United also recorded a 1-0 home victory, defeating Bendel Insurance through Sam Pam’s 55th-minute goal.
Meanwhile, Kun Khalifat and Barau FC played out a goalless draw.
Several fixtures were also affected by scheduling issues, with some matches involving clubs engaged in continental competition postponed.
After two rounds of matches, Doma United have emerged as the early pace-setters with six points from six and three goals scored without conceding.
Kano Pillars’ victory, meanwhile, gives them an important early boost after their dramatic opening weekend and provides Ogunmodede with his first victory in charge.
With more Matchday 2 fixtures still to be completed, the NPFL table is beginning to take shape, but Doma United’s perfect start has already put them firmly in the spotlight.
NPFL Matchday 2 results
- Kano Pillars 3-2 Niger Tornadoes
- Nasarawa United 1-0 Bendel Insurance
- Kun Khalifat 0-0 Barau FC
- Plateau United 1-0 Kwara United
- Inter Lagos 0-1 Doma United
