Barau FC will be looking to make their home advantage count when they welcome Shooting Stars Sports Club in a Matchday 12 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, on Sunday.
The Maliya Boys have failed to win their last two home fixtures, recording a 2-2 draw against Enugu Rangers before settling for a 1-1 stalemate against Kwara United. Their latest league outing also ended in a goalless draw against Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.
However, the Oluyole Warriors have reasons to approach the encounter with confidence, having avoided defeat in their last two visits to the Sani Abacha Stadium. Their previous visit saw them secure a 1-1 draw against Kano Pillars in October 2025, with Adam Mustapha producing a dramatic 90+4-minute direct free-kick equaliser to rescue a point.
Shooting Stars subsequently returned to the venue in December 2025 and recorded a 1-0 victory over Barau FC, giving the Ibadan side another reason to fancy their chances ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
The Oluyole Warriors also ended their run of away defeats after playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw against South-West rivals Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. They followed that result with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Abia Warriors in their Matchday 11 fixture.
Beyond their recent results, Sunday’s encounter carries significant importance for both sides, with just one point separating them on the league table. Barau occupy seventh position with 16 points, while Shooting Stars sit 10th with 15 points after 11 matches.
The Ibadan-based side have also expressed confidence ahead of the trip, taking to social media with the message: “Home Sweet Home 🏠”
With Barau seeking to end their sequence of draws and Shooting Stars aiming to extend their positive record at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Sunday’s encounter presents an intriguing contest between two sides with plenty at stake.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
