The Barau FC general manager says he only oversaw fitness training because Eugene Agagbe was away on a CAF A Licence course, and he asked supporters for patience.
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Barau FC general manager Dominic Iorfa has dismissed talk of a rift with the club’s technical adviser, Eugene Agagbe, and urged supporters to be patient. The Maliya Boys have gone five league games without a win in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Speculation grew after Iorfa was spotted on the bench during recent matches. The former Nigeria international says the explanation is simple.
Iorfa said Agagbe was away on his CAF A Licence course, so he took charge of the team’s fitness training after the game against Rangers International. He insisted the move had nothing to do with any disagreement between the two men.
“There is no reason to suggest that there is a rift between us,” Iorfa told the club’s media. He added that, as general manager, he will do whatever is needed to keep the team in good shape.
The explanation matters because Barau’s form has dipped. Iorfa asked fans to stay calm as the team looks to return to winning ways. Anyone who enjoys predicting results can play Super9ja on Bet9ja alongside the next round of NPFL fixtures.
A Difficult Spell for Barau FC
Five games without a victory is a worrying run for any club, and Barau are feeling the pressure. Iorfa conceded that the team is still building and that plenty of work remains.
Still, the general manager pointed to the progress the club has made. He believes Barau have shown they can compete in the league, and he feels their current position reflects that growth.
He also had kind words for the league. Iorfa praised the competitive nature of the NPFL and the quality of officiating, saying results show that visiting teams can pick up points on the road, something Barau have benefited from.
Is that a fair read of the NPFL this season? Iorfa clearly thinks so, and he says Barau have gained from that balance. Fans who follow the league can also read this Bet9ja promotion code guide before the next round.
What Barau FC Need Next
The next job is to end the winless run. Barau face Niger Tornadoes on Friday, October 30, with a chance to put the speculation to rest.
Iorfa promised a stronger response. He said the team will approach its next fixtures with renewed determination and that Barau want to finish the season strongly.
He also called on supporters to back the team responsibly. Iorfa urged everyone to avoid actions capable of undermining the club’s progress.
Does a winless run mean a crisis? Not necessarily, and the club insists it remains firmly on course. Readers watching the NPFL can also grab the YOHAIG bonus before the next round of fixtures.
Barau were one of the stories of the early season, and Iorfa wants them to be one again. The next few games will show whether his optimism is justified.
📌 Did You Know?
- Barau FC earned their first promotion to the NPFL by finishing second in the 2025 NNL Super 8 playoffs.
- The club is owned by Senator Barau I. Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, and its nickname is the Maliya Boys.
- After promotion, Senator Barau gave the players ₦17.5 million and motorcycles as a reward.
- Barau adopted the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano as their home ground for their debut NPFL season.
- Agagbe was appointed chief coach to assist technical adviser Ladan Bosso after a slow start to the club’s debut 2025/26 season.
- Iorfa is also the director of NPFL youth programmes, and he has served as National U-20 coordinator, an NFF board member and general manager of Remo Stars.
- Barau opened the 2026/27 season with a 3-1 win over Nasarawa United and went top of the table after beating Abia Warriors 2-0 on matchday 5.
