Two second half goals by Wisdom Magbisa and Eyong Ofem gave hosts, Bayelsa United a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Barau FC of Kano in the Matchday 2 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
New Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Monday Odigie made one change from the team that defeated Shooting Stars of Ibadan with the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri and members of the State Executive Council as well as other political appointees, in attendance.
Midfielder Wisdom Magbisa put the Prosperity Boys in front on 55 minute from the spot when Nura Ibrahim handled Wisdom Magbisa’s rebounded effort from Jawad Mustapha’s low cross as he stepped forward to send Barau FC goaltender the wrong way, having failed to convert their chances in the first half.
The visitors in the first half came very close to getting the opener on 19 minute, Jude Mamman’s efforts hit the woodwork ensuring that Bayelsa United young goalkeeper, Clinton Andy continues the new season having kept a clean sheet in matchday one against 3SC.
Eyong Ofem on 73 minute added salt to the injury of the visitors when substitute, Garba Shuaibu mesmerized Barau FC defenders before setting up Emo James who stylishly slotted in the ball to ensure that former Bayelsa United gaffer, Bosso returned to Kano empty-handed.
The Prosperity Boys will next face Niger Tornadoes in Matchday 3 of the Nigeria Premier Football League in Ilorin while Barau FC will host Bendel Insurance.
Bayelsa United are now top of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League with six points after two games closely followed by newly-promoted Warri Wolves on same points.
Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Monday Odigie in his post match reaction, commended the players for their show of professionalism and discipline throughout the encounter, stating that the team would improve as the league progresses.
Despite the defeat, Barau FC coach Ladan Bosso believes that the players gave a good account of themselves; that all the mistakes would be corrected before their home game.
Match Statistics
NPFL25: Bayelsa United Vs Barau United Starting XI
Clinton Andy 35
Issah Yusuf 3
Obong Williams 33
Jawad Mustapha 14
Gabriel Birduba 5
Ogundare Arise 29
Kehinde Malik 20
Edwin Ayiba 25
Emo James 27
Wisdom Magbisa 13
Eyong Nneoyi Ofem 10
SUBSTITUTE
Oladipo Kolawale 16
Bina Tombiri 19
Saro Loveday 4
Foluwa Akpokabowei 9
Garba Shuaibu 23
Nupe Godstiime 32:
Ifeanyi Ogba 26
Hassan Oladimej 12
Chinedu Chukwu 6
Unused Substitute
Oladipo Kolawale
Bina Tombiri
Saro Loveday
Foluwa Akpokabowei
Nupe Godstiime
Hassan Oladimej
Chinedu Chukwu
Substitute
Malik For Garba Shuaibu 45 mins
Ifeanyi Ogba For Eyong Ofem 80 Mins.
Bookings Yellow Card
Issah Yusuf = 75 Minutes
Ogundare Arise = 78 Minutes
2025-09-01