NPFL: Pulse Team of the Week [Matchday One]

The new Nigeria Professional Football League season began in style over the weekend with 24 goals being scored across nine games.

Defending champions Akwa United started off in stunning fashion, demolishing Kano Pillars 3-0, Enyimba also secured a routine win over Abia Warriors, while MFM slumped to an opening day home loss to Gbenga Ogunbote's Remo Stars.

It was a six-goal thriller in Owerri between Heartland and Nasarawa United, while Shooting Stars left Gombe with a point.

With that being said, here's my NPFL team of the week for match day one.

Dede Dare (Shooting Stars)

The Oluyole Warriors' goalie made seven saves to deny Gombe United from getting a goal in the opening 45minutes of the encounter.

Although, he went off injured prior to the start of the second half, his monstrous performance in the opening half was crucial in the cleansheet and the point they gained in the end.

Chigozie Obasi (Enyimba)

The explosive right back continued from where he left off last campaign. His ferocious free kick secured all three points for Finidi George's side as they claimed a seventh successive win over Abia Warriors.

Nduka Junior (Remo Stars)

Captain Junior was crucial to the side's promotion and on Friday once again, he marshalled the defence to keep a clean sheet and a morale boosting win at MFM.

Omololu Waheed (Shooting Stars)

The versatile defender helped the Ibadan side leave Gombe without conceding a goal. His timely interventions coupled with his excellent communication came in handy for Edith Agoye's side.

Ubong Friday (Akwa United)

It was a vintage performance from the winger. His directness caused Kano Pillars a lot of problems and he capped his excellent showing off by scoring late on.

Dayo Ojo (Remo Stars)

The experienced midfielder didn't get a goal, but his composure and class in possession, helped solve a lot of problems for Remo Stars. In addition, his cross in the final moments of the game, somehow, found its way to Andy Okpe who turned home to make the points safe for the Ikenne side.

Steven Jude (Kwara United)

One of last season's best performers, Jude returned with his form intact, scoring twice in the comfortable win over Dakkada FC.

Ishaq Rafiu (Rivers United)

Rafiu scored one of the week's best goals as his side played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Lobi Stars. The fleetfooted winger was applauded by a section of the home fans after what was a marauding display down the flanks.

Ossy Martins (Enugu Rangers)

The former Lobi hitman provided the assist for the opener and scored the second, which proved to be the winner, to lead his new side to victory over Katsina United in Katsina. A complete centreforward display.

Stephen Chukwude (Akwa United)

Stephen returned to the NPFL with the champions and was crucial to his side's 3-0 win. A goal and assist for the former Enyimba man on the day.

Ajibola Otegbeye (Nasarawa United)

What a return for the forward; a brace in 45minutes to set the tone for what could be an explosive season. His partnership with last season's top scorer Silas Nwankwo could propel the Solid Miners to great things this term.

Gbenga Ogunbote (Remo Stars)

After leaving Sunshine Stars in precarious position last term, the Oracle returned to the top-flight with the Sky Blues and led them to a league win at the first time of asking. A dream start to their return to the NPFL since 2019.

Tobi Adepoju Samuel is a Nigerian football writer. He is an ex-member of the NFF Committee and also the former Media officer of the Future Eagles.