Barau Football Club has announced a temporary change of venue for its Matchday 9 fixture of the 2024/25 Nigerian National League (NNL). The Maliya Boys will host Zamfara United at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofar Mata on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
This one-off relocation comes as a result of the upcoming Sallah festival celebrations, which are expected to impact the usual matchday operations at their primary home ground, Dambatta Stadium.
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According to a statement from the club’s media officer, Ahmad Hamisu Gwale, the decision to shift the fixture to Sani Abacha Stadium is a strategic move to avoid scheduling conflicts and logistical challenges associated with the Sallah festivities.
“The Sallah festival is a significant cultural event in our region, and we want to ensure that our match runs smoothly without interference from the celebrations. This temporary relocation is the best option to guarantee a safe and uninterrupted match experience for our players and supporters,” Gwale explained.
Sani Abacha Stadium, located in Kofar Mata, is one of Kano’s prominent sports venues. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and rich history of hosting international competitions—including the 2000 African Cup of Nations and the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup—the stadium offers an electrifying atmosphere for football fans. With a capacity of up to 16,000 spectators (or 25,000 according to some sources), it provides a robust platform for high-stakes matches and is currently home to Kano Pillars FC.
The clash between Barau FC and Zamfara United is highly anticipated as it marks the beginning of the second stanza of the NNL season. Both teams have shown competitive spirit in the early rounds, and this match is expected to have a significant impact on the league standings. Zamfara United, currently sitting in a strong position in the league, will be looking to capitalize on this fixture, while Barau FC aims to use their temporary venue advantage to secure vital points.
In its official announcement, Barau FC urged its supporters to remain law-abiding and to extend their full support to the team despite the change in venue. “We ask all our fans to travel safely and behave responsibly. Your support is crucial in these challenging times, and we are counting on you to help us create an energetic yet safe matchday environment,” the statement read.
Although this is a one-time relocation, Barau FC confirmed that Dambatta Stadium will continue to serve as their primary home ground for the remainder of the season. The temporary shift not only mitigates potential disruptions during the Sallah period but also highlights the club’s commitment to ensuring that the fans and players have the best possible matchday experience.
This strategic move is expected to set the tone for the rest of the season, with both teams eager to leave a mark in this pivotal match. Barau FC’s proactive approach in addressing potential challenges reflects a growing trend among Nigerian clubs to prioritize safety, security, and logistical efficiency during major cultural events.
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