Barau FC Grind Out Ikorodu City To Extend Unbeaten NPFL Run

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By Sedara Philip

Barau Football Club continued their impressive unbeaten run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2025/2026 season following a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Ikorodu City on Matchday 24.

The encounter was played on Monday, 2 February 2026, at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano, where the Maliya Boys secured maximum points against the Lagos State-based side.

Barau FC forward, Uche Moses, fired into the roof of the net from close range in the 29th minute after a fine cross from Hillary Ekawu, giving the hosts the lead, makes Moses second goal of the season.

Both sides created several opportunities to change the scoreline, but solid goalkeeping kept further goals out. Barau FC goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha produced a series of crucial saves to preserve the lead.

Following the vital three points earned against Ikorodu City, Barau FC moved up to 13th position on the NPFL table with 30 points from 24 matches, easing relegation fears.

Speaking in a post match interview to journalists after the match, Barau FC head coach Eugene Agagbe said: “As I told you before, Barau FC will escape the relegation zone within seven matches. Now we have just two match remaining from what I earlier stated.”

He added: “Being unbeaten in five matches is not easy. Our management, players, and fans have done well in supporting us at this moment, and I must commend them.”

The coach noted that the team’s focus is now on the remaining fixtures as they continue to push for a stronger finish to the season.

Meanwhile, Barau FC forward Uche Moses was voted Man of the Match by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, following his match-winning goal.

Midfielder Nana Abraham received a yellow card in the 84th minute, just minutes before the end of the match.

Barau FC XI vs Ikorodu City, Chisom Chiaha (GK), Nura Ibrahim, Bismark Duah, Sugau Aliyu, Jimmy Ambrose, Hillary Ekawu, Usman Maidubji (C), Sunday Antony, Uche Moses, Henry Ezeonye, Muhammad Umar.

Substitutes: Emeka Nwabulu (GK), Orji Kalu, Moses Tsehuan, Joseph Atule, Nana Abraham, Yahya Ibrahim, Sa’ad Tijjani, Emmanuel Okoko, Ibrahim Yunusa Sulaiman.

Substitutions: 65’ Nana Abraham, Joseph Atule, and Yahya Ibrahim replaced Muhammad Umar, Hillary Ekawu, and Uche Moses.

72’ Ibrahim Yunusa Sulaiman replaced Henry Ezeonye, making his first NPFL appearance for Barau FC.

87’ Sa’ad Tijjani replaced Sunday Antony.

Unused Substitutes:

Emeka Nwabulu (GK), Orji Kalu, Moses Tsehuan, Emmanuel Okoko.

Barau FC will now turn their attention to NPFL Matchday 25, where they travel to face Rivers United next week, before returning to Kano to host Kun Khalifat FC on Matchday 26 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.