Barau Football Club of Kano on Sunday began their Nigeria Premier Football League campaign on a winning note with a convincing 3-1 victory over Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

The hosts dominated proceedings in an entertaining encounter with Joseph Atule opening the scoring in the 14th minute to register Barau FC’s first goal of the season.

Nasarawa United responded after the break and reduced the deficit through Abubakar Abdullahi in the 20th minute.

Barau FC, however, continued to press for more goals and were rewarded in the 78th minute when Al-Amin Umar doubled their lead with a brilliant strike from outside the box following a quick cross from Sugau Aliyu.

Sugau Aliyu then completed the scoring in the 82nd minute with another fine finish from outside the box to seal a comfortable victory for the Kano-based side.

In a post match interview, Barau FC head coach, Eugene Agbabe, commended his players for their fighting spirit after securing a 3-1 victory over Nasarawa United in their opening fixture of the new season.

Agbabe said the players deserved commendation for their determination and commitment during the encounter, adding that the victory was achieved through hard work and a positive approach.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank my players for their great fight. I told them before the match that it was not going to be a pushover. To win the game, they needed to fight and use positive ways of winning,” he said.

Agbabe attributed the turnaround in the match to tactical adjustments, particularly substitutions made during the encounter.

The coach, however, admitted that in spite of the convincing victory, the team still had areas that needed improvement. He said the technical crew would continue working to address lapses and build a more organised side capable of competing effectively.

(NAN)