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As the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL nears its end, Kano-based team Barau FC are making headlines for the right reasons in their debut season.
Maliya Boys are thriving under the leadership of general manager, Dominic Iorfa and technical advisor, Eugene Agagbe, after enduring a torrid start under previous helmsmen.
Leading the team as captain is homegrown fan favourite, Usman Maidubji, whose exceptional leadership is pushing the team to enviable heights in the league.
The technically gifted midfielder joined Barau from his boyhood club Kano Pillars during the club’s stint in the lower division in the 2024/2025 season. He also played for Plateau United during his formative years as a professional player, where he won acclaim from coaches, teammates and fans.
Maidubji is widely praised for his leadership characteristics both on and off the field, which have led to the team’s general acceptance by numerous fans and supporters, including league stakeholders.
On the field of play, the young, energetic and highly intelligent midfielder scored his first league goal for the club with a fantastic free kick in the win against Kwara United on November 30, 2025 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The ever-constant midfield maestro is renowned for his hunger to succeed at the highest level and is comfortable playing in front of a back four to provide a shield to the defensive formation.
One of his best attributes is his ability to adapt seamlessly to different tactical roles, combining his defensive midfield duties with the direct attacking play that has made him a regular starter in the team led by Agagbe.
The skipper has demonstrated on several occasions that he has an exceptional ability to read matches and knows exactly how to anticipate and neutralize attacking threats, which puts him above his peers.
Recently, Maidubji was named Man of the Match in the hard-fought matchday 34 win against Remo Stars for his brilliant contribution which helped push his team to 9th place in the table.
As the league reaches its crescendo, the fans’ favorite is expected to accentuate top-notch performances in his usual hallmarks in Barau’s remarkable debut season in the Nigerian top flight.
