Barau Football Club, for the first time in their history, won the 2026 Kano State Federation Cup following an outstanding 3–2 victory over NNL side Bichi First FC.
The match was played on Monday, 27 April 2026, at the iconic Sani Abacha Stadium, witnessed by fans across the state, including Kano State FA Chairman, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, among others.
The Maliya Boys opened the scoring in the 7th minute through Sa’ad Tijjani, after capitalizing on a well-created chance to put Barau FC ahead.
Bichi First FC responded quickly after the break, equalizing in the 51st minute through Usman Ahmed. However, Barau FC regained the lead in the 56th minute when Sugau Aliyu converted from the penalty spot.
Bichi FC once again levelled the score in the 58th minute through Abubakar Shua’abu, but Henry Ezoenye sealed the victory with a decisive goal in the 71st minute, securing a historic triumph for Barau FC.
The Maliya Boys began their campaign at the semi-final stage, where they defeated Chanji FC 4–0 to book a place in the final, eventually going on to lift the trophy.
Under the leadership of General Manager Dominic lorfa, Barau FC demonstrated quality, dedication, and experience to secure their first-ever Federation Cup title.
Barau FC striker Abdulmajid Aminu emerged as the top scorer of the tournament, netting two goals against Chanji FC, while the technical crew praised the team’s resilience and character.
The trophy presentation was conducted by the Kano State FA Chairman, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, and received by Barau FC captain, Usman Maidubji.
“We are very happy to win this trophy for the first time. We stayed patient and brave, and when the moment came, we took it,” said captain Usman Maidubji.
Barau FC Lineup vs Bichi First FC: 24. Emeka Nwabulu (GK), 22. Sugau Aliyu, 3. Bismark Duah Dapma, 33. Jimmy Ambrose, 5. Moses Tsehuan, 8. Usman Maidubji (C), 9. Sa’ad Tijjani, 4. Ebuka Nwokorie, 7. Joseph Atule, 39. Adamu Hussein, 9. Abdulmajid Aminu
Substitutes: 31. Oscar Destiny, 33. Nura Ibrahim, 13. Sunday Dapma, 27. Chisom Flavian, 26. Stanley Oganbor, 19. Henry Ezoenye, 34. Ibrahim Yunusa, 12. Muhammad Umar.
Substitutions: 35′ | Stanley Oganbor and Muhammad Umar replaced Adamu Hussein and Abdulmajid Aminu.
46′ | Henry Ezoenye replaced Ebuka Nwokorie 60′ | Nura Ibrahim replaced Sugau Aliyu
73′ | Sunday Dapma replaced Bismark Duah Dapma.
Unused Substitutes: Oscar Destiny, Chisom Flavian, Ibrahim Yunusa.
Barau FC have now emerged as champions of the 2026 Kano State Federation Cup and will represent Kano State in this year’s President Federation Cup.
Final Score: Barau FC 3–2 Bichi First FC.
Goalscorers (Barau FC) ⚽ Sa’ad Tijjani – 7′ ⚽ Sugau Aliyu (Pen) – 56′ ⚽ Henry Ezoenye – 71′
Goalscorers ( Bichi First FC) ⚽ Usman Ahmed 51′ ⚽ Abubakar Shuaibu 58′.
