Barau FC have become the first club in the modern era of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to reward players with motorcycles.
Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, donated ₦17.5 million and 35 motorcycles to the newly-promoted side following their promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the NPFL for the 2025/26 season.
In an era where club owners and governments choose to give cash gifts, lands and apartments to footballers and Sportsmen and women who win league titles or medals for the state, club or country, Barau FC’s gesture stands out as a rare and unconventional reward.
According to Barau FC Media Officer Ahmad Hamisu Gwale, Senator Jibrin also unveiled the club’s new Technical Adviser, Isah Ladan Bosso, ahead of the NPFL season.
The Kano reception was held to honour the club’s NPFL promotion and introduced the full technical crew: Ladan Bosso (Technical Adviser), Rabi’u Tata (Chief Coach), Madu Muhammad (Assistant Coach), Surajo Mukhtar (Fitness Coach), Dahiru Dalhatu (First Goalkeeper Trainer) and Babangida Muhd (Second Goalkeeper Trainer).
Senator Barau alongside Technical Adviser of Barau FC Ladan Bosso. Photo
Senator Barau urged the team to channel “dedication, discipline and hard work” toward winning the NPFL trophy, describing their NPFL promotion achievement as “historic”.
New signings for debut campaign
The Maliya Boys have signed several players ahead of the new season:
Muhd Muhd Umar (Plateau United) – one-season deal with option for an additional season
Abdulbari Nura (Katsina United) – two-season deal
Michael Enaruna (Bendel Insurance) – two-season deal
Mike Zaruma (Sporting Lagos) – one-season deal
Samuel Mathias (Rivers United) – two-year deal
Abubakar Shuaibu (Inter Lagos) – two-season deal
Emmanuel Okoko Jr (Katsina United) – two-year deal
Adamu Usaini (Arewa FC, Kano State) – joined ahead of new season
Kabiru Abdullahi (Rivers United) – one-season deal
Sunday Anthony (Plateau United) – one-season deal
Yusuf Muhd Bala (Niger Tornadoes) – two-season deal
Hillary Ekawu (Rangers International) – two-season deal
Abraham Nana Kwame (AS GNN, Niger Republic) – set to join for 2025/26
Senator Barau said he was confident that, given the current quality of players, the club could reach the continental stage next year.
Barau FC group photo with the owner and Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin. Photo Credit: Barau FC media.
Club President Shawall Barau Jibrin and Chairman Ambassador Ibrahim Shitu Chanji commended the Deputy Senate President for his “tremendous support” to the club.
Speaking on behalf of the players, Usman Maidubji said:
“History will never forget his positive intervention in the development of Nigerian youths.”
Barau FC will beginning life in the Nigerian Premier League with a home fixture against record champions Enyimba on the 22nd of August 2025.
