By our man in Kano
KANO, Nigeria – The iconic Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, a venue renowned for its passionate atmosphere and often considered a fortress for the northern-based teams, was the scene of an emphatic away victory yesterday as Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan edged out Barau FC 1-0 in a crucial NPFL encounter.
The stadium, with its impressive 16,000 capacity, was buzzing as the home fans expected a comfortable win, but their hopes were dashed by a clinical and disciplined performance from the visitors, often referred to as the ‘Oluyole Warriors’.
The single, decisive goal came in the 9th minute from the boot of Sadiq Ibrahim. The forward, capitalising on an early defensive error in the heart of the Barau defence, kept his composure to slot the ball past the home side’s goalkeeper.
The rest of the game saw Barau FC pile on relentless pressure, trying to break through the solid defensive line marshalled by Shooting Stars.
Every corner, every free-kick, and every attacking wave was met with a roar of anticipation from the Kano faithful, yet the goal remained elusive.
The Sani Abacha Stadium has long been regarded as one of the toughest grounds for visiting teams in the NPFL, but yesterday, the Shooting Stars held firm, turning the fortress into a hunting ground.
Their resolute defence held strong, soaking up wave after wave of attack from the desperate home team who simply couldn’t find an answer to the Ibadan side’s tactical discipline.
The result means Shooting Stars claim a vital three points on the road, while Barau FC are left licking their wounds, having conceded a rare home defeat in one of the league’s most historic grounds.
