Barau Football are finding life tough in their debut Nigeria Premier Football League season, with the Kano State club currently sitting 17th on the table.
The newly promoted side recruited heavily ahead of the campaign, bringing in experience across the pitch. However, early struggles have underlined the steep learning curve that often comes with NPFL promotion. Tactically, Barau FC favour variations of a 4-3-3 system.
Yusuf Bala Mohammed has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, although Ali Salim and Emeka Nwabulu have also featured. Mohammed and Nwabulu bring valuable NPFL experience, while Salim, impressive during the promotion campaign, has found consistency harder to come by at this level.
Defensively, Ghanaian left-back Bismark Duah is the regular starter, with Haruna Dapma Sunday providing solid cover. Both players previously turned out for Wikki Tourists. On the right, captain Aliyu Sugau has logged the most minutes and faces competition from Yusuf Umar and Nura Rio Ibrahim. All three were influential during promotion, with Sugau standing out as a reliable presence.
At centre-back, veteran Jimmy Ambrose partners super veteran Orji Kalu Okagbue, while Nura Rio Ibrahim also offers an alternative option.
Midfield duties are shared among Hillary Ekawu, Abraham Nana Kwame, Emmanuel Okoko, Muhammad Umar and Aminu Maidubji Usman. Okoko, signed from Katsina United, is preferred in the holding role. Umar has emerged as the team’s chief playmaker after leaving Plateau United, a move that has already paid dividends for both player and club.
One player attracting quiet attention is Sa’ad Tijjani. The lanky young midfielder made his NPFL debut on 19 December 2025 and has shown promise beyond his years.
Out wide, Ibrahim Yahaya has been Barau FC’s standout performer. The pacy left-winger has registered four goals and two assists, continuing the form that made him a revelation at Bayelsa United last season. The right-wing position remains unsettled, with eight different players tried so far, including Kabiru Abdullahi and Sunday Anthony. Both possess flair but have yet to deliver consistently, particularly Anthony, who boasts close to 230 NPFL appearances.
Another youngster to watch is Hussaini Adamu, signed from Kano-based grassroots side Arewa FC, who is regarded as one for the future.
In attack, Stanley Oganbor has been the most effective striker in a team short on goals. The 27-year-old, who previously featured for FC Tulsa in the United States, leads the line ahead of Abdulmajid Aminu, Joseph Kemin, Mamman and Saidu Salisu. Kemin remains the only other striker to find the net so far. Veteran forward Martins Ossy, closing in on 200 NPFL appearances, has recently joined the club and is expected to push for a starting role soon.
Barau FC’s current top scorers are Ibrahim Yahaya with four goals, followed by Kabiru Abdullahi, Stanley Oganbor and Muhammad Umar with two apiece.
0 Comments