El-Kanemi Warriors head coach Kabiru Dogo has refused to accept that his team was beaten on merit by Barau FC in their 2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 36 clash, blaming the match officials for the 3-0 defeat that has plunged his side deeper into relegation trouble. The loss, suffered at home on Sunday, saw El-Kanemi Warriors drop to 18th place with 43 points, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone with only two matches remaining in the season. Dogo expressed deep frustration, claiming the referee and match officials had “chosen a side” and consistently favored Barau FC throughout the game.
Barau FC opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Sunday Anthony, giving them a 1-0 lead at halftime. Henry Ezeonye extended the advantage in the 70th minute, before former Enyimba forward Joseph Atule sealed the victory with the third goal in the 79th minute. The result marked a significant setback for El-Kanemi Warriors, who are now fighting for survival in the top flight. Dogo did not mince words in his post-match comments, stating that the officiating was the primary reason for the defeat, not the team’s performance.
“I was disappointed, not because of the result, but by the way the match was officiated,” Dogo told reporters. He emphasized that the referee’s conduct from the start of the game suggested bias, recalling that the same official had previously officiated a home match against Katsina United where he had shown fairness. “But today, even before we started the game, he had already chosen a side,” Dogo said. He compared the experience to being frustrated by a spouse, saying, “When you’re frustrated, there’s nothing you can do.”
Dogo defended his tactical decisions and substitutions, insisting that the team’s approach was sound. He pointed to missed opportunities, including what he claimed was a clear penalty for his side before Barau’s first goal. “Look at the video clip. Look at their second goal,” he urged, questioning the referee’s failure to protect his players. He also noted that he had previously lost 0-3 to Kano Pillars without complaint, but described Sunday’s officiating as the worst he had seen this season.
Despite the setback, Dogo remains hopeful for survival. He stated that the team will regroup and prepare to face Niger Tornadoes in their next match, believing a win will secure their position in the league. “By God’s grace, we’ll go back home, prepare well, and make sure that we win at all costs,” he said. He also appealed for fair officiating in the remaining games, emphasizing that the outcome of the season could hinge on the decisions of match officials. The fate of El-Kanemi Warriors now rests on their ability to bounce back and secure crucial points in their final fixtures.
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