2026/2027 NPFL Match Day 1: Barau FC Turn Up the Heat in Kano, Expose Nasarawa United’s Frailties

Posted : 31 August 2026

Barau Football Club of Kano announced their arrival in the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season in emphatic fashion, overcoming Nasarawa United 3-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

The victory was more than just three points for the newly competitive Kano side; it was a statement of intent before a boisterous home crowd, as the Maliya Boys demonstrated the attacking ambition and resilience required to make an impression in the new campaign.

For Nasarawa United, however, the encounter exposed worrying defensive lapses and an inability to sustain pressure when the game became stretched.

Barau FC started brightly and immediately took the initiative, with Joseph Atule breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute to score the club’s first goal of the season.

The hosts looked comfortable for much of the opening period, controlling the tempo and forcing Nasarawa United to defend deep.

The Lafia side returned from the break with greater purpose and appeared to have found a route back into the contest when Abubakar Abdullahi pulled a goal back in the 20th minute.

The equaliser briefly shifted the momentum and gave Nasarawa United renewed belief, but Barau FC refused to allow the visitors to dictate the closing stages.

Coach Eugene Agbabe’s side responded by increasing the pressure, while tactical changes from the technical crew helped restore their attacking momentum.

The persistence eventually paid off in the 78th minute when Al-Amin Umar restored Barau FC’s advantage with a superb strike from outside the box after a quick cross from Sugau Aliyu.

With Nasarawa United forced to chase the game, spaces began to emerge at the back, and Barau FC capitalised again four minutes later.

Sugau Aliyu completed the scoring in the 82nd minute with another fine effort from outside the box, putting the result beyond doubt and triggering celebrations among the home supporters.

The 3-1 scoreline reflected Barau FC’s superior response to the pressure they faced after Nasarawa United had drawn level.

While the Maliya Boys displayed commendable character and attacking intent, their coach acknowledged that the performance was not without shortcomings.

Agbabe praised his players for their determination and fighting spirit, saying the team had expected a difficult encounter against an experienced Nasarawa United side.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank my players for their great fight. I told them before the match that it was not going to be a pushover.

“To win the game, they needed to fight and use positive ways of winning,” he said.

The coach also credited tactical adjustments, particularly the substitutions, for helping the team regain control of the encounter after Nasarawa United’s equaliser.

Despite the convincing scoreline, Agbabe admitted that there were areas requiring improvement, stressing that the technical crew would continue to work on the team’s weaknesses.

For Barau FC, the opening-day victory provides an encouraging platform as they seek to establish themselves in the NPFL.

Nasarawa United, meanwhile, will have to quickly address the defensive lapses that turned a competitive contest into a heavy defeat, especially if they are to avoid being left chasing the pack early in the season.

2026/2027 NPFL Match Day 1: Barau FC Turn Up the Heat in Kano, Expose Nasarawa United’s Frailties

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics