Barau FC struck twice in stoppage time to see off fellow NPFL newcomers Ranchers Bees 3-1, staying unbeaten after three matches of the 2026/27 season.
Barau FC claimed an important 3-1 victory over fellow newcomers Ranchers Bees on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with two stoppage-time goals settling what had been a tight contest at the top-flight new boys’ first meeting of the season.
Ahmadu Liman put Barau ahead in the 29th minute, and Ranchers Bees pulled level on the balance of play late on when Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu reduced the deficit in the 80th minute. Barau finished strongly, with Kennedy Otunuya restoring the lead in the third minute of stoppage time before Sugau Aliyu converted a penalty a minute later to seal the win.
Liman’s first-half finish gave Barau the platform, but Ranchers Bees kept fighting and were rewarded when Zulkifilu found a way through with 10 minutes remaining, setting up a nervy finish for the home side. Barau responded in the best possible way, with Otunuya’s stoppage-time strike restoring daylight before Aliyu’s penalty in the fifth minute of added time put the result beyond doubt.
The late double put a comfortable-looking scoreline on what had, for long periods, been a close contest between two of the division’s promoted sides.
Barau FC remain unbeaten through the opening rounds of their maiden top-flight campaign, and a third consecutive positive result will only add to the confidence within the squad as one of the season’s standout newly promoted teams.
Ranchers Bees, meanwhile, will be frustrated to have let a share of the points slip so late on, but the fight they showed to get back into the game against a side pushing near the top of the table is a promising sign for their own survival prospects this season.
For more on both clubs’ 2026/27 campaigns, see our Ranchers Bees transfer window roundup and the NPFL Team Hub. You can also catch up on the wider weekend action in our NPFL Matchday 3 results roundup.
What was the final score between Barau FC and Ranchers Bees?
Barau FC beat Ranchers Bees 3-1 in their NPFL Matchday 3 fixture, played on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Who scored for Barau FC?
Ahmadu Liman opened the scoring in the 29th minute, before Kennedy Otunuya (90+3′) and a Sugau Aliyu penalty (90+4′) sealed the win in stoppage time.
Who scored for Ranchers Bees?
Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu scored Ranchers Bees’ goal in the 80th minute.
18+. Bet responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose.
Sources: Africa Top Sports, Nigfooty Sports.
⚡ Back today’s picks: 1xBet — 300% up to ₦600,000. Read our 1xBet review or claim the offer now.
18+. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
