Shooting Stars (3SC) head into Sunday’s NPFL clash with Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano still searching for their first away win of the 2026/27 season.
The Oluyole Warriors sit 10th with 15 points from 11 matches (four wins, three draws, four losses), just one point behind seventh-placed Barau (16 points: three wins, seven draws, one loss). The two sides are closely matched in the mid-table battle on Matchday 12.
3SC have been solid at home but struggle on the road. Their away record stands at 0 wins, one draw and four losses, with just five goals scored and 12 conceded in those games. Home form has been much stronger (unbeaten, with multiple wins including a recent 4-1 thrashing of Abia Warriors and a 3-1 victory over Ranchers Bees).
The Ibadan side arrive in Kano with renewed confidence after collecting seven points from their last three league outings. That run has lifted them and given coach Salisu Yusuf’s men belief they can finally break their away duck.
Barau have been hard to beat but are without a league win since Matchday 5. They have drawn several recent games, including a goalless stalemate away to Niger Tornadoes, and sit on a lengthy unbeaten but winless sequence. Their home form has generally been solid, and they will see this as a chance to climb higher and potentially challenge the top four depending on other results.
Shooting Stars hold a perfect recent record against Barau, winning both previous meetings 1-0 (including an away victory at the same venue last season). That history will give the visitors extra confidence as they chase maximum points.
A win for 3SC would not only deliver their first away success of the campaign but also lift them level with or above Barau and strengthen their position in the top half. For the hosts, three points would end their win drought, consolidate a top-half place, and maintain momentum in what has been a resilient debut-style campaign under their current setup.
By James Agberebi
