Barau FC on Sunday defeated Abia Warriors 2–0 in a Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, match played at the Sani Abacha stadium in Kano.
Muhammad Umar scored both goals for the home side from well-taken free kicks in the 9th and 30th minutes to seal the victory.
In spite of attempts by Abia Warriors to reduce the deficit in the second half, the Barau FC defence remained resolute to maintain the two-goal lead until the final whistle.
Speaking in a post-match interview, Barau FC Coach, Eugene Agagbe, commended his players for their impressive performance.
He attributed the victory to the determination and discipline displayed by the team.
“We thank God Almighty for the victory again today. Our objective is always to win, and we thank God for what He has done for us today,” he said.
Agagbe particularly commended the team’s strong start to the match, noting that the early goals were crucial to securing the win.
“I want to thank my players. They did very well in the first twenty minutes. We were two goals up and they showed the character and determination to carry the day.
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“I give thanks to my players for a good performance today,” he said.
The coach said his initial objective after taking charge of the club was to move the team away from its previous position on the league table.
“You will remember that when I took over the team, my objective was to move the team away from the position we were in. By all standards, that position did not reflect where we belong.
“We have achieved that objective, and for anything else that comes our way, we give glory to God Almighty,” he said.
Agagbe added that the team would continue to work hard to finish the season strongly and possibly secure a continental competition slot.
“We will continue to fight and work hard so that at the end of the season we finish comfortably on the table. If we eventually qualify for continental competition, we will praise God,” he said.
Looking ahead, the coach said the team would focus on its next match against Wikki Tourists, describing the fixture as another tough encounter.
“Our next match is against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi. They are also doing well, but we will give them a good fight,” he said.
Barau FC now occupies eighth position on the table with 40 points from 30 matches. (NAN)
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan defeated Wikki Tourists of Bauchi 3–2 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports the Ibadan side have won six consecutive home matches, climbing to fourth with 47 points from 30 league games.
Sodiq Ibrahim opened scoring in the 16th minute after Ayobami Junior’s assist.
Wikki Tourists responded in the 35th minute when Abba Musa struck to level the match.
Lucky Emmanuel restored Shooting Stars’ lead in the 44th minute, finishing another chance created by Ayobami Junior before half-time.
John Taiwo equalised for Wikki Tourists in the 53rd minute after a clinical finish from Jonathan Mairiga’s assist.
Al-Ameen headed home in the 88th minute from Ayobami Junior’s corner to seal a hard-fought victory for Shooting Stars.
NAN reports Shooting Stars occupy fourth place behind Nasarawa United, level on points but separated by goal difference.
NAN
