Barau FC spoil Abdallah’s homecoming to maintain unbeaten run

Coach Usman Abdallah’s return to his hometown Kano ended in defeat as Barau FC secured a hard fought 2-1 victory over defending champions Remo Stars in yesterday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) week 34 match to maintain their unbeaten. The former coach of Kano Pillars targeted a fifth win since he took over Remo Stars […]

Coach Usman Abdallah’s return to his hometown Kano ended in defeat as Barau FC secured a hard fought 2-1 victory over defending champions Remo Stars in yesterday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) week 34 match to maintain their unbeaten.

The former coach of Kano Pillars targeted a fifth win since he took over Remo Stars in February but Barau FC still basking in the euphoria of their double away draws proved a hard nut to crack.

After a barren first half at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Remo Stars drew the first blood in the 63rd minute through Hadi Haruna but former Lobi Stars and Enyimba FC attacking winger, Joseph Atule, restored parity for Barau FC in the 70th minute before Joseph Kemin sealed the comeback win in the 83rd minute to lift Barau FC to ninth position on the table.

The “Maliya Boys” have now gone four matches without a loss after their last home defeat to Kano Pillars on March 8.

They have beaten Abia Warriors 2-0, recorded two away draws at Wikki Tourists and Enugu Rangers before yesterday’s victory over Remo Stars.

However, it was another sad day for Kano Pillars after they suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat at title contenders Ikorodu City.

City led by a goal to nil at half time before Tosin Oyedokun and Abayomi Ayodeji scored a goal each in the second half to hand the Lagos boys a comprehensive victory.

The same scenario played out in Umuahia where relegation bound Kun Khalifat walloped Warri Wolves 3-0 as they also scored once in the first half and twice in the second stanza.

Elsewhere, Enyimba bounced back to winning ways with a 3-0 thrashing of Katsina United in Aba.

Stanley Dimgba opened the scoring for Enyimba in the 23rd minute, Chidera Michael doubled the lead in the 41st minute before Wonah Williams completed the rout with the third goal in the 79th minute.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United returned to the top of the table after a hard earned 1-0 victory over Plateau United, second placed Enugu Rangers forced Tornadoes to a goalless draw in Minna just as Kwara United also forced 3SC to a 0-0 draw in Ibadan.

Meanwhile, Wikki Tourists secured the only away win after they stunned Bayelsa United 1-0 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.