Barau FC has successfully disrupted Coach Usman Abdallah's anticipated return to his hometown, Kano, by achieving a hard-fought 2-1 win against the defending champions, Remo Stars, in a Week 34 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture. This victory maintains Barau FC's undefeated status.
Abdallah, who took charge of Remo Stars in February, was aiming for his fifth win since assuming the coaching role. However, Barau FC, buoyed by their recent success of two away draws, proved to be a formidable opponent.
Following a goalless first half at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Remo Stars took the lead in the 63rd minute courtesy of Hadi Haruna. Despite this setback, Barau FC found an equalizer in the 70th minute through Joseph Atule, a former attacking winger for Lobi Stars and Enyimba FC. The comeback was completed in the 83rd minute when Joseph Kemin scored the winning goal, propelling Barau FC to ninth place in the league standings.
The "Maliya Boys" have now extended their streak of matches without a loss to four, their last defeat on home soil being against Kano Pillars on March 8. Their recent positive run includes a 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors, two away draws against Wikki Tourists and Enugu Rangers, and the recent triumph over Remo Stars.
In other league encounters, Kano Pillars faced a significant setback, suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat against title contenders Ikorodu City. Ikorodu City held a one-goal lead at halftime, with Tosin Oyedokun and Abayomi Ayodeji adding to the scoreline in the second half to secure a decisive win for the Lagos-based team.
Similarly, relegation-threatened Kun Khalifat recorded a 3-0 victory over Warri Wolves in Umuahia, scoring once in the first half and twice in the second.
Meanwhile, Enyimba FC returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 defeat of Katsina United in Aba. Stanley Dimgba opened the scoring for Enyimba in the 23rd minute, followed by a second goal from Chidera Michael in the 41st minute. Wonah Williams sealed the victory with the team's third goal in the 79th minute.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United reclaimed the top spot in the league following a narrow 1-0 win against Plateau United. Second-placed Enugu Rangers were held to a goalless draw by Tornadoes in Minna, while Kwara United also played out a 0-0 draw against 3SC in Ibadan.
Notably, Wikki Tourists secured the sole away win of the day, surprising Bayelsa United with a 1-0 victory at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
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