Barau Football Club turned the Sani Abacha Stadium into a theatre of goals on Friday, dismantling Rivers United 4–1 in a rescheduled Matchday Five clash of the Nigerian Premier Football League.
The Kofar Mata showdown, which doubled as Barau FC’s last home outing of the first stanza of the 2025/2026 season, began with a jolt as Rivers United struck first in the fourth minute. But that early spark only woke the sleeping giant.
Barau FC steadied the ship and hit back through Usman Maidubji, who calmly converted from the spot in the 25th minute to draw the hosts level, notching his second goal of the campaign. With momentum firmly swinging, Jimmy Ambrose struck on the stroke of halftime, firing the Kano side ahead 2–1 and sending the home crowd into raptures.
After the break, it was one-way traffic. Substitute Kabir Abdullahi, facing his former club, came off the bench like a man on a mission. He struck twice in quick succession in the 64th and 72nd minutes, twisting the knife and putting the contest beyond doubt. The brace, his first goals of the season, sealed a thumping victory.
The emphatic result stands as Barau FC’s biggest triumph in the top flight this season and handed Rivers United their heaviest loss of the campaign. It also paid rich dividends on the table, lifting the Kano-based side to 16th place with 20 points from 17 matches and nudging them clear of the relegation waters.
Midfielder Muhammad Umar earned the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Man of the Match award after pulling the strings in midfield with a commanding display.
At the post-match briefing, Technical Adviser Ladan Bosso applauded his players’ grit and fighting spirit, while also praising the club’s management for their unwavering backing. He noted that preparations would be stepped up for the remaining first-round fixtures, voicing confidence in the team’s push for a continental place.
Barau FC will hit the road next, travelling to Lafia to face Nasarawa United on Matchday 18, before wrapping up the first round with an away tie against Niger Tornadoes in Minna.
