Barau FC target ‘big things’ after winning start to NPFL season

Barau FC head coach Eugene Agagbe says the Kano club are aiming for major success in the 2026/27 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League season after drawing confidence from their debut campaign.

The Maliya Boys began their second successive season in Nigeria’s top flight with an impressive 3-1 victory over Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Sunday, 30 August.

They will attempt to maintain that momentum when they travel to face Kun Khalifat FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Sunday.

Barau FC and Kun Khalifat FC both secured promotion to the NPFL after strong displays in the 2024/25 Nigeria National League Super 8 playoffs at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.

Agagbe, who previously managed Lobi Stars, believes the lessons Barau FC learned during their first season among Nigeria’s elite have given them a stronger foundation from which to challenge for more significant honours.

The Kano side finished eighth last season with 52 points, a respectable achievement in their first NPFL campaign. Agagbe says that experience has encouraged the club to set more ambitious targets this term.

“Last season, we tested the waters in the NPFL. It wasn’t a bad experience because finishing eighth with 52 points is not a poor result for a team making its debut in the top flight,” Agagbe said.

“Now, with the experience we gathered last season, I don’t think dreaming big should be considered over-ambitious.

“It is not going to be a stroll in the park. All the teams are well prepared and we are also ready.

“We will try to give our ultimate best in every single game, believing that with God on our side, our efforts will be crowned with success.”

Barau FC’s opening-day victory over Nasarawa United provided an early indication of their potential, but Agagbe acknowledged that the campaign will present a considerably greater challenge.

The club’s next fixture against Kun Khalifat FC will be particularly significant, with both teams having risen from the Nigeria National League after the same promotion play-offs. It will also give Barau FC an opportunity to build quickly on their strong home performance.

Agagbe said the team would approach each fixture with maximum commitment while recognising that the competition across the NPFL would be demanding. His longer-term ambition is for Barau FC to use their growing top-flight experience to compete beyond the level they reached during their first season.

The coach’s comments come as Barau FC seek to establish themselves in the NPFL and improve on last season’s eighth-place finish. Their opening victory has given them three points at the start of the new campaign, with the meeting against Kun Khalifat FC providing their first chance to claim points away from home.