Barau FC beat Bichi First FC and emerge Kano as winner of the 2026 FA Cup

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Barau Football Club, for the first time in its history, won the 2026 Kano State Federation Cup after an outstanding 3-2 victory over NNL side Bichi First FC.

The match was played on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the iconic Sani Abacha Stadium, in the presence of supporters across the state, including the Kano State FA President, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, among others.

Maliya Boys opened the scoring in the 7th minute through Sa’ad Tijjani, after taking advantage of a well-created chance to give Barau FC the lead.

Bichi First FC responded immediately after the break, equalizing in the 51st minute through Usman Ahmed. However, Barau FC regained the lead in the 56th minute when Sugau Aliyu converted from the penalty spot.

Bichi FC equalized the score once again in the 58th minute through Abubakar Shua’abu, but Henry Ezoenye sealed the victory with a decisive goal in the 71st minute, ensuring a historic triumph for Barau FC.

Maliya Boys started their season at the semi-final stage, where they defeated Chanji FC 4-0 and earned a place in the final, eventually winning the trophy.

Under the leadership of general manager Dominic Lorfa, Barau FC demonstrated quality, dedication and experience to secure their first ever Federation Cup title.

Barau FC striker Abdulmajid Aminu emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, scoring two goals against Chanji FC, while the coaching staff praised the team’s resilience and character.

The presentation of the trophy was conducted by Kano State FA President, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, and received by Barau FC Captain, Usman Maidubji.

“We are very happy to win this trophy for the first time. We were patient and courageous and when the time came, we took it,” captain Usman Maidubji said.

Barau FC vs Bichi First FC lineup: 24. Emeka Nwabulu (GK), 22. Sugau Aliyu, 3. Bismark Duah Dapma, 33. Jimmy Ambrose, 5. Moses Tsehuan, 8. Usman Maidubji (C), 9. Sa’ad Tijjani, 4. Ebuka Nwokorie, 7. Joseph Atule, 39. Adamu Hussein, 9. Abdulmajid Aminu

Substitutes: 31. Oscar Destiny, 33. Nura Ibrahim, 13. Sunday Dapma, 27. Chisom Flavian, 26. Stanley Oganbor, 19. Henry Ezoenye, 34. Ibrahim Yunusa, 12. Muhammad Umar.

Substitutions: 35′ | Stanley Oganbor and Muhammad Umar replaced Adamu Hussein and Abdulmajid Aminu.

46′| Henry Ezoenye replaced Ebuka Nwokorie 60′ | Nura Ibrahim replaced Sugau Aliyu
73′ | Sunday Dapma replaced Bismark Duah Dapma.

Unused Substitutes: Oscar Destiny, Chisom Flavian, Ibrahim Yunusa.

Barau FC have now emerged as champions of the 2026 Kano State Federation Cup and will represent Kano State in this year’s President Federation Cup.

Final result: Barau FC 3–2 Bichi First FC.

Scorers (Barau FC) ⚽ Sa’ad Tijjani – 7′ ⚽ Sugau Aliyu (Pen) – 56′ ⚽ Henry Ezoenye – 71′

Scorers (Bichi First FC) ⚽ Usman Ahmed 51′ ⚽ Abubakar Shuaibu 58′.