Match Report: Barau FC vs Shooting Stars SC

MATCH REPORT

Barau FC 0–1 Shooting Stars SC

We Claim Crucial Away Victory in Kano

We secured an important 1–0 victory over Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, in our NPFL 2025/26 Matchday 17 fixture. A disciplined performance and a well-taken first-half goal ensured we returned to Ibadan with all three points.

Bright Start and Early Breakthrough

Both teams began cautiously, feeling each other out in the opening minutes. In the 4th minute, Jamiu Hamzat found space in a promising crossing position, but the ball ran out for a throw-in. Barau FC responded moments later with a dangerous free kick in our half, though the effort drifted wide.

Our positive start paid off in the 9th minute when Sodiq Ibrahim finished clinically to give us the lead. We continued to press, and in the 18th minute, Hamzat tested the goalkeeper, who saved comfortably. Adams Mustapha also went close in the 21st minute, but his effort missed the target.

Injury Challenges Before the Break

We suffered a setback in the 29th minute when goalscorer Sodiq Ibrahim was forced off through injury, with Jonah James Eni coming on in his place. Tunde Azeez and Ayobami Junior both picked up yellow cards in the 32nd and 35th minutes as the contest became more physical.

Despite these challenges, we went into the break with a deserved 1–0 lead.

Second-Half Pressure and Resilience

Barau FC started the second half with renewed intent, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. A free kick in the 53rd minute was well dealt with by our defensive wall.

Another injury interruption followed in the 55th minute, as Awosanmi Promise replaced Adams Mustapha. Jonah James Eni went close in the 58th minute with a shot that narrowly missed, while Ayobami Junior had a clear chance in the 74th minute, only to be denied by an excellent save.

Strong Finish and Game Management

As pressure mounted late on, we made a double substitution in the 85th minute, introducing Gbolagade Adelowo and Austin Onyeamachi for Tunde Azeez and Jonah James Eni to help see out the game.

In the closing moments, Austin Onyeamachi produced a crucial goal-line clearance, underlining our determination and defensive focus as we protected the lead.

All Three Points Secured

We held firm until the final whistle to secure a hard-fought 1–0 away victory in Kano. The result highlights our resilience on the road and strengthens our position on the NPFL table.

Up Next

Attention now turns back to Ibadan as we prepare to host Niger Tornadoes in our Matchday 18 NPFL fixture next weekend.