Former champions Shooting Stars started their campaign on a winning note edging out Plateau United 2-1 in a Nigeria Professional Football League match day one tie at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan on Saturday.
Ayobami Adekunle opened scoring for Shooting Stars eight minutes before the break.
Anayor Ogbonna doubled the advantage for the hosts in the 76th minute.
The visitors fought back immediately with Uche Onwuasanya reducing the deficit.
At the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, Bayelsa United defeated Akwa United in an eight- goal thriller.
Robert Mizo scored four goals for the Restoration Boys with Jerry Alex also on target for the hosts.
Oguntayo Seyi (brace) and Mohammed Hadi were the goal scorers for Akwa United.
Four-time champions Kano Pillars fell to a 1-0 defeat against Sunshine Stars in Akure.
Emmanuel Oguagu scored the decisive goal in the third minute.
FULL RESULTS
Heartland FC 2-2 Lobi Stars
Bayelsa United 5-3 Akwa United
Shooting Stars 2-1 Plateau United
Abia Warriors 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
Sunshine Stars 1-0 Kano Pillars
Rangers Int’l FC 2-1 Doma United
Katsina United FC 1-0 Kwara United
