As the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season draws near, Kano-based side, Barau FC, are making the headlines for the right reasons in their debut campaign.
The Maliya Boys are thriving under the guidance of its General Manager, Dominic Iorfa and Technical Adviser, Eugene Agagbe, after enduring a torrid start under the previous helmsmen.
Leading the team as captain is homegrown fans’ favourite, Usman Maidubji, whose exceptional leadership is propelling the team to enviable heights in the league.
The technically-gifted midfielder joined Barau from his boyhood club, Kano Pillars during the club’s stint in the lower division in the 2024/2025 season. He also featured for Plateau United during his formative years as a professional player, where he earned plaudits from coaches, teammates and fans.
Maidubji is widely commended for his leadership traits both on and off the field, resulting to the team’s general acceptance by teeming fans and supporters including stakeholders in the league.
In the field of play, the young, energetic and highly-intelligent midfielder bagged his first league goal for the club off a fantastic free kick in the victory against Kwara United on November 30, 2025 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The ever-consistent midfield maestro is renowned for his hunger for success at the highest level and is comfortable playing in front of the back four to offer shield to the defensive set-up.
One of his finest attributes is the ability to adapt seamlessly to different tactical roles, combining his defensive-midfield duties with direct attacking play which has made him a regular starter in Agagbe-led side.
The skipper has proven on several occasions that he has the ability to read games exceptionally and knows exactly how to anticipate and neutralize attacking threats which ranks him above his peers.
Recently, Maidubji was named Man of the Match in the keenly-contested matchday 34 victory against Remo Stars for his brilliant contributions that helped pushed his team to 9th on the log.
As the league gets to its crescendo, the fans’ favourite is expected to accentuate top-notch performances in his usual characteristics in Barau’s remarkable debut campaign in Nigeria’s top flight.
