Senator Barau Rewards Barau FC Players with ₦17.5 Million

In a heartwarming gesture of appreciation and motivation, the Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Senator Barau Jibrin, has rewarded the players of Barau FC with ₦17.5 million and 35 brand-new motorcycles to celebrate their historic promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). This generous donation, which was made during a reception in Kano, marked a significant moment in the club’s journey and in the lives of its players, many of whom are young, aspiring talents.

Senator Barau, who also represents Kano North in the National Assembly, is the founder of Barau FC. His deep involvement in the club’s development reflects his passion for youth empowerment through sports. At the celebratory event, he commended the team’s hard work, dedication, and resilience, which led to their recent success. Barau FC made headlines last month after securing a 2-0 victory over Doma United in their final playoff match, earning them a place in the top tier of Nigerian football for the first time.

To recognize this milestone, each of the club’s 35 registered players received a cash gift of ₦500,000 and a motorcycle. This gesture was more than just a reward—it was a statement of belief in the players’ potential and a message that their contributions had not gone unnoticed.

The reception, held in Kano, was attended by players, coaching staff, club officials, and community members. It also served as the official unveiling of the team’s new head coach, Ladan Bosso, a seasoned tactician known for his work with Nigeria’s youth national teams. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure Barau FC can compete confidently in the NPFL and build on the momentum of their recent success.

During his speech, Senator Barau described the club’s rapid rise as a reflection of what determination and vision can achieve. He traced their journey from being a grassroots academy, to joining the Nationwide League One (NLO), then advancing to the Nigeria National League (NNL), and now reaching the Nigeria Premier Football League.

“This is not just about football,” he said. “It is a story of growth, opportunity, and hope. The players have shown exceptional courage and consistency. From the academy days to this remarkable point, they have done what many thought was impossible. Their success is not just for the club—it is a victory for Nigerian youth.”

Barau emphasized that football today is more than a recreational sport. It is now a global industry with the power to transform lives. He encouraged the players to see themselves as future international stars, reminding them that dreams of playing for global clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid are achievable. According to him, the platform they now have with Barau FC is the first major step in that direction.

“We are building something big here,” he continued. “Some of our new signings are not even from Nigeria. That tells you how far we are going. Our head coach is also one of the best in the country. With this level of preparation and ambition, we are not just aiming to survive in the Premier League—we want to compete.”

Indeed, Barau FC has not slowed down since earning promotion. In preparation for their debut season in the NPFL, the club has signed 25 new players, carefully selected to strengthen their squad and increase their competitiveness. Some of these players come with prior topflight experience, while others are rising stars scouted from across the country and beyond.

The club is also making early moves to gauge their readiness for top-level competition. On Wednesday, they are scheduled to face El-Kanemi Warriors in a high-profile pre-season friendly. This match will give Coach Bosso and his technical team a chance to evaluate the new players and assess their team structure ahead of the league opener.

Barau FC’s first official match in the NPFL will be against none other than nine-time champions Enyimba. The match is set to take place at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, which will serve as the club’s home ground for the season. It promises to be a thrilling fixture, as the new boys test their strength against one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs.

Beyond the fanfare and gifts, Senator Barau’s commitment to the team also carries a strong message about the role of sports in nation-building. His support shows how investment in local football can provide pathways for youth development, economic opportunities, and community pride.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the Senator stressed that this achievement should serve as an example to other young Nigerians. “We believe that through sports, especially football, our youth can find meaningful careers. This is why we are investing—not just to win matches, but to win futures.”

As Barau FC embarks on their Premier League journey, they do so with the backing of a founder who believes in their talent and a community that is rallying behind them. Their story is a compelling reminder that with vision, support, and hard work, even the most ambitious goals can be realized.