Barau FC Strengthen Squad With 14 New Signings Ahead of 2026/27 Season
Coach Eugene Agagbe has recruited across every department, pulling in players from Albania, Egypt, and several NPFL rivals as the Kano-based club looks to improve on last season.
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Barau FC of Kano have completed the signing of 14 new players during the current transfer window, as head coach Eugene Agagbe continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season, tentatively scheduled to begin in August.
Leading the list of new arrivals is Christian Egbutudike, who returns to the Nigerian top flight after a spell with Albanian club FK Kukesi. Also joining the Kano based side is Al-Amin Umar, who previously played for Egyptian second tier club Telecom FC.
Central defender Elvis Obuko joins from Warri Wolves, while Barau FC have also secured Bayelsa United duo Stephen Wisdom, a midfielder, and Energy Kennedy, an attacker. Defender Idris Sa’idu arrives from Niger Tornadoes, and Daddy Abdulrahman joins from El-Kanemi Warriors.
Other new signings include midfielder Ahmad Liman from Niger Tornadoes, attacking midfielder Casmir Azubuike from Abia Warriors, forward Anthony Omaka from Rivers United, attacking midfielder Ajina Boluwatife from ABS Ilorin, Suur Kumaga from Lobi Stars, Adekunle Oluwasegun Samuel from Nasarawa United, and former Wikki Tourists midfielder Nasiru Jubrin.
Speaking to Complete Sports, Barau FC general manager and former Super Eagles forward Dominic Iorfa said preparations for the new season began three weeks ago, adding that the club is now working to blend the new arrivals into a stronger squad for the campaign ahead.
The Maliya Boys finished their debut NPFL campaign in eighth place with 52 points, recording 13 wins, 13 draws, and 12 defeats.
Barau FC’s New Signings
Christian Egbutudike (from FK Kukesi, Albania), Al-Amin Umar (from Telecom FC, Egypt), Elvis Obuko (from Warri Wolves), Stephen Wisdom (from Bayelsa United), Energy Kennedy (from Bayelsa United), Idris Sa’idu (from Niger Tornadoes), Daddy Abdulrahman (from El-Kanemi Warriors), Ahmad Liman (from Niger Tornadoes), Casmir Azubuike (from Abia Warriors), Anthony Omaka (from Rivers United), Ajina Boluwatife (from ABS Ilorin), Suur Kumaga (from Lobi Stars), Adekunle Oluwasegun Samuel (from Nasarawa United), Nasiru Jubrin (from Wikki Tourists)
Did You Know?
- Barau FC are nicknamed the Maliya Boys and are based in Kano.
- The club finished eighth in their debut NPFL season with 52 points.
- Their debut campaign record was 13 wins, 13 draws, and 12 defeats.
- Christian Egbutudike returns to Nigerian football after a spell with Albanian club FK Kukesi.
- Al-Amin Umar previously played for Egyptian second tier club Telecom FC.
- Dominic Iorfa, Barau FC’s general manager, is a former Super Eagles forward.
- The 2026/27 NPFL season is tentatively scheduled to begin in August.
