President Federation Cup: Kano Pillars, Barau FC Suffer Early Exit in Round of 64

By Ahmad Hamisu Gwale

Two football clubs from Kano State, Kano Pillars FC and Barau FC, have been eliminated from the 2025 President Federation Cup in the Round of 64.

The shocking exit of both Kano clubs began on Tuesday when Enugu Rangers International secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars, with Chiedozie Okorie scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute.

The match, played at the Bwari Township Stadium, lived up to expectations as two of Nigeria’s most successful clubs clashed in a high-stakes encounter.

In another fixture, former NPFL champions Rivers United edged out Barau FC with a 2-1 victory at the Area 3 Pitch in Abuja on Wednesday.

Chijioke Mbaoma opened the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by Philip Odubia in the 26th minute, and Barau FC forward George Enyia pulled one back in the 36th minute, but it was not enough to avoid elimination.

The match between Barau FC and Rivers United made history in Nigerian football as the first-ever encounter between the two clubs in any tournament.

Despite their elimination, the Nigerian National League (NNL) side Barau FC delivered a spirited performance against NPFL giants Rivers United.

The early exits of Kano Pillars and Barau FC raise concerns about the level of preparation of Kano State clubs in national and African competitions.

Barau FC made their first debut in the President Federation Cup this year, following their promotion and dedication in the NNL season.

On the other hand, Kano Pillars last won the President Federation Cup in 2019, defeating Niger Tornadoes of Minna 4-3 on penalties, since then, the Sai Masu Gida have struggled to reclaim the title again.

The Fixtures for the Round of 32 in the President Federation cup will take place next month across all designated centers in the country.

Full Round of 32 fixtures including Heartland FC Vs Rangers Int’l, Warri Wolves Vs Shooting Stars, Enyimba FC Vs Elkanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United Vs FC Basira, Lobi Stars Vs Solution FC, Sunshine Stars Vs Plateau United, Beyond Limits Vs Rivers United.

Others, Danburan FC Vs Inter Lagos, Kwara United Vs Gombe United, Ikorodu City Vs Crown FC, Wikki Tourists Vs Rovers FC, Osun United Vs E World FC, Nasarawa United Vs Ijele FC/Lautau United, Bendel Insurance Vs Adamawa United, Katsina United Vs Yobe Desert Stars or Abakaliki FC.

The question remains: Why are Kano State clubs failing to make significant progress in Nigerian football?

Ahmad Hamisu Gwale

Broadcast Journalist, from Kano ahmadhamisuali733@gmail.com

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