Barau FC Withdraws from Gusau/Ahlan Tournament Over Daily Match Request
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Oba Jude Achilike
GUSAU, Zamfara State — Barau FC has withdrawn from the ongoing Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament 2026 following a disagreement with the organisers over the proposed frequency of matches.
The tournament’s General Coordinator, AbaHuraira Dahiru, disclosed that the club pulled out after organisers rejected its request for participating teams to play matches every day.
Dahiru said the decision was taken in the interest of player welfare, stressing that adequate recovery time between matches was necessary to protect players from fatigue and reduce the risk of injuries during the pre-season competition.
He made the clarification while responding to allegations of unprofessional conduct surrounding Barau FC’s withdrawal from the tournament.
According to him, the organisers could not approve a fixture arrangement that would require teams to play daily, particularly when such a schedule could place excessive physical demands on players.
He also explained that the organisers were unwilling to allow any individual club to influence the tournament’s fixtures or groupings to its advantage.
Dahiru maintained that all participating teams were expected to operate under the same rules and conditions, with fixtures determined in a manner that guarantees fairness and equal treatment.
The organisers said their position was guided by the need to maintain the integrity of the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament and ensure that participating clubs receive a suitable platform to prepare for the new football season.
They dismissed suggestions that Barau FC’s withdrawal was the result of bias or administrative misconduct, insisting that the tournament management had acted within established principles of fairness, professionalism and player protection.
The organisers further stated that pre-season competitions should not only provide clubs with opportunities to assess new and existing players but should also prioritise the health and welfare of footballers.
They expressed appreciation to the clubs, players, officials and supporters participating in the tournament, while wishing Barau FC success ahead of the new season.
The Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament is part of the preparations by football clubs for the upcoming season. Pre-season competitions provide teams with opportunities to assess players, test tactical approaches, improve match fitness and integrate new signings before competitive fixtures begin.
Such tournaments also serve as important platforms for clubs to identify areas requiring improvement ahead of the new campaign. However, organisers must balance competitive demands with adequate rest and recovery, particularly when teams are required to play several matches within a short period.
The Gusau/Ahlan tournament has attracted attention as participating clubs continue their preparations, with the organisers emphasising equal treatment of teams and adherence to competition regulations.
The organisers’ explanation indicates that the disagreement with Barau FC centred primarily on fixture scheduling rather than the club’s participation in the tournament itself.
They maintained that the tournament would continue as planned and reiterated their commitment to professionalism, fairness and player welfare.
