…Purchases official club vehicle; motorcycles, N5m to players
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Delighted by the recent promotion of Barau FC (BFC) to the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL), Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has applauded and charged the team to take the second-tier league side by the storm and pick Premier league ticket after the season.
Barau, who made the commendation to the club’s management and players at the National Assembly in Abuja when he received them recently, insisted that picking the ticket to the Premier league next season should their top priority.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Barau described the victory as a great achievement.
BFC defeated Yoca Crocodiles on Sunday in a penalty shootout that ended 3-2 in favour of the Maliya Boys.
Applauding the team’s outstanding performance, the Deputy President of the Senate noted that his intention in establishing the club is to make it a global brand and to contribute to the growth, employment, and development of Nigerian youths.
“I wish to start by thanking Almighty God for this victory and thanking the management and the players for the hard work and dedication that culminated in this victory. When I established this club, I intended to make it a global brand. This has not changed. So, the journey has just started. This is the beginning of the beginning.
“Insha Allah, by next year, we will all converge here to celebrate our promotion to the Premier League. You will go international. By God’s grace, this club will be the pride of all Nigerians,” he said.
Assuring the management and the players of his commitment to making the club world-class, Senator Barau challenged them to get ready for restructuring. He donated a new coaster bus, one motorcycle to each player, and N5 million bonus to the management and players.
Earlier, the club’s chairman, Shehu Ibrahim Chanji, thanked the Deputy President of the Senate for his commitment to football development in the country. He explained that the BFC players were selected from across the country in the founder’s bid to bring all youths together and promote unity in the country.
“You have delivered on your promises to us, which is why we are also delivering on our promises to you. You paid our salaries, allowances, and match bonus promptly. Not only that, our outfit is also one of the best in the country. This is something to be proud of. We are proud of you,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the players, Surajo Mukhtar said they are proud to play under the Barau Football Club, adding that people across the country celebrate and admire them for being part of the team.