With the first week of the 2023 NPFL season concluded, we cast our minds to 10 fascinating statistics recorded as 20 teams scored a combined 24 goals in 10 games.
In comparison to the 2021/22 season, the 2023 season recorded a 100% increase in away wins. There were just two in the opening week of the previous season.
It became the second time in two seasons that a 3-3 scoreline was recorded on the opening match week of the NPFL. Prior to Plateau United and Shooting Stars’ thriller, Heartland and Nasarawa United played out a 3-3 draw on the opening weekend of the 2021/22 season.
Goals from Samuel Anakwe and Ezekiel Edidiong meant that the last three NPFL meetings between Remo Stars and Elkanemi Warriors have all ended in the same manner – a 2-0 home win.
Plateau United have now scored in 9 consecutive NPFL matches against Shooting Stars. They played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Oluyole Warriors in Jos on Sunday.
Lobi Stars have now failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last nine NPFL matches against Rivers United. Morice Chukwu’s goal in Rivers United’s 2-1 win became the ninth consecutive game.
In their last 4 opening away matches, Enyimba have lost just once, while also winning each of their last 2 opening away matches in the NPFL.
With their 2-1 win at Nasarawa United, Enyimba have now scored 2+ away goals in the NPFL for the first time in 2 seasons.
Akwa United conceded 2+ first-half goals at home in the NPFL for the first time since April 2016. They have now failed to win any of their last six NPFL home matches in which they trailed at half-time (LDLDLL).
Bendel Insurance have scored 2+ away goals in the NPFL for the first time since they lost 3-2 at Zamfara United in October 2007.
Since their promotion to the NPFL in 2021, Gombe United have now been involved in two consecutive opening-day goalless draws (with Shooting Stars in 2021/22 and Kwara United in 2023).
Most of the statistics in this article were originally curated by Opta Nigeria.
