The Maliya Boys make sweeping additions as they target a stronger finish in their second top-flight season.
Barau FC have strengthened their squad with the arrival of 14 new players as preparations continue for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, with head coach Eugene Agagbe reshaping the team ahead of the new campaign.
The Kano-based club has recruited across defence, midfield and attack, bringing in talent from both domestic clubs and overseas leagues in a bid to improve on last season’s performance.
Among the headline additions is Christian Egbutudike, who returns to Nigerian football after his spell with Albanian side FK Kukesi. Also joining the squad is Al-Amin Umar, who arrives from Egyptian second-tier club Telecom FC.
Barau FC have further reinforced their defensive options with the signing of Elvis Obuko from Warri Wolves, while Idris Sa’idu joins from Niger Tornadoes and Daddy Abdulrahman makes the switch from El-Kanemi Warriors.
The club has also recruited Stephen Wisdom and Energy Kennedy from Bayelsa United, adding quality in midfield and attack respectively. Other arrivals include Ahmad Liman (Niger Tornadoes), Casmir Azubuike (Abia Warriors), Anthony Omaka (Rivers United), Ajina Boluwatife (ABS Ilorin), Suur Kumaga (Lobi Stars), Adekunle Oluwasegun Samuel (Nasarawa United) and Nasiru Jubrin, formerly of Wikki Tourists.
Speaking about preparations for the new season, Barau FC General Manager and former Super Eagles striker Dominic Iorfa said the club had already begun pre-season activities and is focused on integrating the new signings into the squad ahead of the league’s expected August kickoff.
Barau FC enjoyed an encouraging debut campaign in the NPFL, finishing eighth on the table with 52 points after recording 13 wins, 13 draws and 12 defeats. The club will now aim to build on that foundation as it targets another competitive season in Nigeria’s top flight.