2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 26: Barau complete double over struggling Kun Khalifat

Posted : 16 February 2026

In a season where survival has become the overriding theme for some and resurgence the ambition for others, Saturday’s clash at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofar Mata told two very different stories.

For Kun Khalifat, it was another painful chapter in a campaign riddled with setbacks. For Barau FC, it was further confirmation that their revival under Eugene Agagbe is no fluke.

Barau edged the contest 1-0, courtesy of a decisive 75th-minute finish from Joseph Atule, but beyond the slender margin lay a tale of discipline, recruitment strategy, and growing confidence.

Cagey start, high stakes

Both debutants approached the encounter cautiously, aware of its significance. Kun Khalifat, desperate to claw their way out of the drop zone, showed early intent. Henry Ezeonye fired wide in the opening exchanges, while Usman Maidubji’s ambitious free-kick was repelled by a resolute defensive wall.

Barau, however, appeared content to absorb pressure and wait for their moment. The first half ended goalless, with clear-cut chances scarce and nerves evident.

A pivotal moment came before the break when Barau introduced Atule for Moses Uche — a substitution that would ultimately define the outcome.

Atule delivers

The second half followed a similar pattern — tight, tactical, and tense — until the breakthrough arrived 15 minutes from time.

Sugau Aliyu’s inviting delivery into the box found Atule, who calmly slotted home to score his first goal for the club. It was a finish that reflected experience and composure, qualities the forward has accumulated across spells with clubs in Nigeria and Egypt.

Having joined Barau from Enyimba on February 1, Atule brought with him over 100 league appearances and more than 50 goal involvements from stints with Katsina United, Cleopatra FC, El Makasa, Enppi SC, Lobi Stars, and Enyimba. On Saturday, that pedigree proved decisive.

Barau managed the closing stages with maturity, shutting down any meaningful response from their hosts.

Momentum vs mounting pressure

The result sees Barau climb to 12th position with 33 points from 25 matches, a remarkable turnaround from their early-season struggles near the relegation zone.

Agagbe’s men have now suffered just one defeat in their last nine outings. That run includes a victory over Ikorodu City and hard-earned draws against Bendel Insurance, Bayelsa United, and Enyimba — signs of a team steadily finding rhythm and belief.

Mid-season reinforcements have played a key role in that transformation. Former Kun Khalifat players Ebuka Nwokorie, Uche Moses, and Henry Ezeonye have strengthened the squad, with Moses already contributing two goals in five appearances.

In contrast, Kun Khalifat’s troubles deepen. Despite their recent 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars, they remain rooted to the bottom of the table with 25 points from 26 matches — four points shy of safety.

Financial instability earlier in the campaign disrupted preparations and threatened their participation in the league. Now, with time running out, their battle to retain top-flight status grows increasingly urgent.

A double statement

Barau had already secured a 3-1 win in the reverse fixture in September 2025. Saturday’s narrow success completes a league double over their fellow newcomers — a symbolic marker of how far the Maliya Boys have progressed.

While Barau continue to build stability and distance from danger, Kun Khalifat must urgently rediscover resilience if they are to avoid a swift return to the lower division.

As the 2025/2026 NPFL season intensifies, one newcomer is rising with purpose — and the other is fighting to survive.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 26: Barau complete double over struggling Kun Khalifat

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