The city of Kano is set for a tense football spectacle on Sunday as Barau FC and Kano Pillars prepare to clash in their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) derby at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Both sides are seeking to reverse their poor runs in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Currently anchored at the bottom of the NPFL standings with only one victory this season, Barau FC are desperate to secure a morale-boosting result against their more experienced city rivals. Kano Pillars, sitting in 17th place with eight points, are equally under pressure to stabilize their campaign following an inconsistent start to the season.
However, the derby will take place behind closed doors following sanctions imposed on Kano Pillars for crowd violence during their previous home fixture against Shooting Stars. The club was fined ₦9.5 million, deducted three points and three goals, and ordered to relocate their remaining home matches to Katsina State.
Since Barau FC also share the Sani Abacha Stadium with Pillars, the NPFL directed that the derby be held without spectators to ensure public safety.
In a statement signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league management stated that only referees, state football officials, accredited journalists, and security personnel will be granted access to the venue.
“No spectators, supporters, or unauthorized individuals shall be admitted into the stadium under any circumstances,” the statement read.
Despite the spectator ban, anticipation for the match remains high. Barau FC captain, Salim Ali, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure all three points, emphasizing that their previous setbacks would not define their season.
“I have full confidence that, by God’s will, we will defeat Pillars here at home,” he said after the team’s final training session on Saturday.
“The matches we have lost are already in the past. Insha Allah, after the Pillars match, we will win again and move out of the relegation zone.”
Ali also appealed to fans to remain patient and supportive despite the team’s struggles, adding that football often rewards perseverance.
“Sometimes the team at the bottom can rise to the top. They should remain calm and have faith in us. Very soon, we will make them smile again.”
Barau’s preparations were recently clouded by speculation of managerial changes, but the club’s management swiftly dismissed rumors of the dismissal of Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso. In a statement issued by Club President, Shawal Barau Jibrin, the management confirmed that Bosso remains in charge, with Ibrahim Tata continuing as Chief Coach.
For Kano Pillars, there is renewed optimism following the return of midfielder Auwalu Ali Malam to light training after a lengthy injury absence. The 24-year-old, who had been sidelined since matchday two, resumed team training on Thursday.
Meanwhile, defender Mustapha Jibrin, who scored in Pillars’ previous outing, described the upcoming derby as another opportunity for the team to redeem themselves.
“This is a great opportunity and a blessing that Allah has given me at this new club,” Jibrin told the club’s media team.
“It was a good match last time out, and even though it was not easy, we will continue to work hard to perform well. We will always give 100 per cent in every game and do our best to win.”
Both teams head into the fixture with inconsistent form and mounting pressure. For Barau FC, a victory could mark the start of their survival resurgence, while for Kano Pillars, it could ease growing pressure on Coach Evans Ogenyi’s technical bench and restore confidence among their supporters.#newsafro_
