Barau Football Club has officially kicked off preparations for its debut in the 2025–26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The newly promoted side unveiled seasoned coach Isah Ladan Bosso as Technical Adviser and confirmed Sani Abacha Stadium Kofarmata, Kano as its temporary home venue, while renovations at its Dambatta Stadium are carried out.
At the opening workout on Monday, Bosso led the squad through high-intensity drills focusing on stamina conditioning, compact defensive formations, and pattern-based play hallmarks of his coaching philosophy.
Prior to the session, President Shawwal Barau Jibrin joined Chairman Chanji in formally introducing Bosso to the squad, reinforcing the technical staff’s confidence in his leadership.
Barau FC officials. Photo Credit: X
Two days before training began, Barau FC confirmed that “Sani Abacha Stadium” in Kofarmata, Kano home to four-time NPFL champions Kano Pillars would serve as its home ground for the upcoming season.
The relocation, approved by the Kano State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, is interim while Barau’s Dambatta facility undergoes league mandated upgrades. Club Chairman Ibrahim Shitu Chanji described the move as a seamless, supporter-friendly solution.
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On 25 July 2025, Barau FC announced the capture of Ladan Bosso, a veteran of Nigerian football.
His résumé includes spells with Kano Pillars, Wikki Tourists, Bayelsa United, Abia Warriors and El‑Kanemi Warriors as well as two stints as head coach of Nigeria’s U‑20 Flying Eagles most recently leading them into the 2023 U‑20 AFCON and World Cup campaign.
Bosso’s appointment followed Barau’s formal promotion to the NPFL and reflects the club’s desire to combine youthful ambition with tactical discipline.
Ladan Bosso speaking to the officials and players of Barau FC. Photo Credit: X
During his final season in charge of Bayelsa United, Bosso secured their top-flight status with room to spare, culminating in an 11th‑place finish a survival widely credited to his focus on defensive structure and mental resilience.
Barau FC, founded and bankrolled by Deputy Senate President Barau Ibrahim Jibrin made history with promotion to the NPFL for the first time.
Recall their elevation came after a 2–0 victory over Doma United in the Group A decider of the NNL Super 8 Playoffs in Asaba.
With those results, Barau secured one of four slots to the NPFL, joining Wikki Tourists, Warri Wolves, and fellow debutants Kun Khalifat.
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The move made Kano the second Nigerian state with two clubs in the top flight alongside Kano Pillars and underscored the growing prominence of privately-funded teams like Remo Stars and Kun Khalifat in the league landscape.
Barau FC is set to begin the 2025–26 NPFL season on 22 August 2025 against nine-time NPFL champions Enyimba FC slated as their opening-round opponents in a huge curtain-raiser.
