Barau FC beat Abia Warriors to top the NPFL

Barau FC moved to the top of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in their matchday five encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

Maliya Boys maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a disciplined home performance, securing maximum points thanks to goals from Joseph Atule and substitute Ibrahim Ayoola. Project reports

The result further underlined Barau’s impressive early season form and strengthened their position among the main contenders after five rounds of matches.

Atule unblocks the situation

Barau took control of the match when Atule opened the scoring in the 21st minute to give the home side a deserved lead before half-time.

The goal gave Barau the platform to manage the match with greater confidence as Abia Warriors struggled to find an answer. The visitors had arrived in Kano buoyed by a 2-0 away win over Sporting Lagos at the weekend, but were unable to replicate that performance against Maliya Boys.

Barau maintained their lead at half-time and returned from the break determined to take the game past the visitors.

Ayoola seals the win

Coach Eugene Agagbe introduced Ibrahim Ayoola at the start of the second half and the substitute made an immediate impact.

Ayoola doubled Barau’s lead in the 61st minute, giving the hosts a two-goal advantage and leaving Abia Warriors with a difficult task in the remaining stages of the match.

The visitors failed to find a way back into the game as Barau protected their lead by getting another three points and a clean sheet.

The undefeated start continues

This victory extends Barau FC’s unbeaten run to five matches, after two wins and two draws in their first four league matches.

Prior to Wednesday’s match, the Kano team had recorded home wins and away draws, including a goalless draw against Ikorodu City on matchday four. The club’s consistency has now been rewarded with leadership of the NPFL table.

Barau’s rise to the top represents a significant early season statement for a team that has shown resilience both at home and away.

Next up will be Sporting Lagos

Maliya Boys will have little time to savor their latest victory as attention now turns to another tough challenge away from home.

Barau will travel to Lagos on Saturday, September 26, to face Sporting Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in matchday six. The match will provide another proof of their unbeaten record, especially against a Sporting Lagos side who secured a remarkable 3-2 victory over Enyimba in Aba on Wednesday.

Barau then face another away match against Bendel Insurance on matchday seven on 4 October, making the next two league games particularly important for their title challenge.

Agagbe asks for concentration

After Wednesday’s victory, Barau coach Eugene Agagbe praised his players for their commitment and determination in taking home the three points.

The tactician stressed the need for his team to remain focused and approach the campaign one match at a time, aiming for another positive result in their next match in Lagos.

For Barau, maintaining the current momentum will now be the priority as the season accelerates.

With five matches played without defeat, Maliya Boys have established themselves as one of the early forerunners of the NPFL, but their ability to maintain that form away from Kano will provide another measure of their progress.

The challenge begins on Saturday in Lagos, with Barau looking to protect their unbeaten record and maintain their place at the top of the table.