Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) debutants Barau FC recorded their first home victory since the start of the 2025/2026 season yesterday after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over city rivals Kano Pillars in the week 9 fixture played at the Sani Abacha Stadium Kano.
In their previous three home matches, Barau FC struggled to record two draws against Enyimba and Bendel Insurance, and a 0-1 loss to visiting Warri Wolves in week 7.
Although yesterday’s match was played behind closed doors, it was not short on fire-works as Kano Pillars’ inspirational captain Rabiu Ali gave his side the lead in the 20th minute.
However, Ibrahim Nura equalised for Barau FC from the spot in the 52nd minute before former Lobi Stars’ striker, Stanley Oganbor, scored the winning goal fifteen minutes from regulation time.
Another newly promoted side, Kun Khalifat, also shocked Bayelsa United 2-1 in Yenagoa. El-Kanemi Warriors defeated Wikki Tourists 2-1 in Maiduguri while league leaders Nasarawa United fell 1-2 at Ikorodu City.
Newly promoted Warri Wolves caused the biggest upset of the day after they stunned former African champions Enyimba 2-1 in Aba.
Jude Ebhohon gave the visitors the lead in the 16th minute, Ezekiel Edidiong drew the hosts level in the 27th but Wolves restored their lead in the 67th minute and held on for the historic win.
Elsewhere, Kwara United left it late to pip Katsina United 1-0 in Ilorin as Yahaya Ibrahim’s goal in the 80th minute handed the “Afonja Warriors” the maximum points.
At the Lekan Salami Stadium, 3SC who held Kano Pillars to a 1-1 draw in the ill-fated week 8 match in Kano, secured a 2-0 victory against visiting Abia Warriors.
Meanwhile, Niger Tornadoes recorded the biggest win of the day with the 4-0 trouncing of Plateau United at the Bako Kontagora Stadium Minna.
Tornadoes’ Abdulaz Dalhatu scored a hat-trick while former Nasarawa United striker Terdoo Shimagande scored the fourth in the third minute of second half added time for the complete rout of hapless Plateau United.
Despite their defeat in Lagos, Nasarawa United are still leading the table with 19 points and are followed by 3SC, and Abia Warriors who are on 15 points each.
