By ADO SALISU
Barau FC has made history by becoming one of the few clubs to pay players’ match bonuses before kick-off , a bold move that underscores the club’s commitment to player welfare and motivation.
The unprecedented gesture boosted team morale and sent a strong message about professionalism, trust, and leadership in grassroots football.
The initiative has since drawn widespread praise from fans and stakeholders, with many describing it as a refreshing standard that other clubs should emulate. By putting players first,
Barau FC has not only raised the bar off the pitch but also reinforced the belief that proper motivation remains a key ingredient for success in the beautiful game.
The club made history last Monday by paying players their match bonuses before the kick-off of their NPFL Matchday 24 game against Ikorodu City, a move not previously recorded anywhere in world football.
According to the General Manager of the club, Dominic Iorfa, match winning bonuses are meant to serve as a morale booster, motivation, and a form of appreciation for players’ efforts.
He explained that motivating players or saying “thank you” before the job is done is not a strange concept to him and “thank you” said before receiving pushes the giver to give more, same applied to the players.
The unprecedented decision followed a routine pre-match talk at the team’s camping hotel, After addressing the players and informing them of the intention to pay their outstanding draw-match bonus against Bendel Insurance, Orji Kalu, one of the players, suggested that both the draw bonus and the expected win bonus be paid together.
The suggestion was unanimously supported by his teammates, who confidently assured the management of victory.
Acting immediately, the General Manager approved the request and ordered that the payments be made.
Confirming the development, the team captain, Usman Aminu Maidubji, stated that each player received ₦300,000 at exactly 1:30 P.M.
He described the alert as a powerful source of motivation, noting that the agreement was clear: if the team lost the match, the players would refund the money. “With that understanding, nobody was willing to lose,” he said.
The captain also expressed deep appreciation to the Grand Patron of Barau FC, Senator Dr Barau I. Jibrin, the President of the club, Shawall Barau Jibrin, and the General Manager, Dominic Iorfa, for their continuous support, guidance, and commitment to the success of the team.
Senator Barau is indeed setting new standards in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), as paying match bonuses before kick-off is a practice not even top European clubs have adopted.
