2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 9 Review: Oganbor Strikes as Barau FC Claim Bragging Rights Over Kano Pillars in Local Derby

Posted : 20 October 2025

Stanley Oganbor scored a late winner as Barau FC earned their first-ever NPFL home victory with a 2-1 triumph over Kano Pillars in the historic Kano Derby.

Stanley Oganbor scored a sensational winning goal to help his new club, Barau FC, etch their name into Nigerian football history as they claimed their first-ever home victory in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The Maliya Boys secured a dramatic 2-1 win over fierce rivals Kano Pillars in what remains Northern Nigeria’s most iconic local derby.

The hero of the day, none other than Stanley Oganbor, delivered a match-winning performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Oganbor netted the decisive goal late in the second half, sparking wild celebrations among Barau supporters at the Sani Abacha Township Stadium.

The goal not only sealed Barau FC’s first win in the Kano Derby but also marked Oganbor’s first goal of the 2025/2026 NPFL season — a strike that instantly immortalized him in the club’s young but passionate history.

Following his match-winning contribution, Oganbor was named the Kano State Sports Writers Association (Kano-SWAN) Man of the Match, becoming the first Barau FC player ever to receive the prestigious award.

Speaking after the match, Oganbor expressed his joy and gratitude:

“This moment means everything to me. Scoring in my first home game and second appearance for the club — and giving them their first NPFL home win — is something I will never forget. We made history today, not just for the club, but for every fan who believed in us.”

Barau FC, nicknamed the Maliya Boys, have struggled for consistency in their debut NPFL season, but the Matchday 9 victory signals a potential turning point for the club. Fans and pundits alike hailed the win as a new dawn for the team.

The derby triumph over traditional giants Kano Pillars not only boosts Barau FC’s league position but also injects belief into a side that has shown promise but previously lacked results.

As the final whistle blew — despite the game being held behind closed doors — fans who watched online rushed to the stadium gates to celebrate, chanting songs in honour of the club’s founder, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.

It is clear that October 19, 2025, will forever be remembered in Barau as the day dreams became reality.

For Oganbor, the goal held extra significance — it came 18 months after his last NPFL goal against Gombe United. Statistically, the strike came 46,569,600 seconds (776,160 minutes / 12,936 hours / 539 days / 77 weeks / 18 months) since his last league goal.

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the defeat, the management of Kano Pillars announced the suspension of their technical crew with immediate effect.

The club stated:

“We wish to inform our esteemed supporters and the general public that the Club’s Technical Adviser, Ogenyi Evans, and Chief Coach, Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro, have been suspended with immediate effect following the team’s unsatisfactory performance in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season.”

So far, the Sai Masu Gida have played eight matches, recording two wins, two draws, and four losses.

In the interim, former club captain and assistant coach Gambo Muhammad, alongside goalkeeping coach Suleiman Shuaibu, will take charge of the team’s technical duties. Coach Garzali Muhammad (Kusa) from the Junior Pillars will also provide ad-hoc support pending further directives, the club added.

2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 9 Review: Oganbor Strikes as Barau FC Claim Bragging Rights Over Kano Pillars in Local Derby

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