Former Enyimba midfielder Elijah Akanni has completed a transfer to Nigeria Premier Football League side Barau FC, signing a one year deal with the Kano based club. The move brings proven championship pedigree to a side looking to elish itself among the elite of Nigerian domestic football, with Akanni arriving after successful spells at two of the country’s most prominent clubs.
Akanni brings considerable top flight experience to his new employers, having previously represented both Katsina United and Enyimba during a career that has seen him compete at the highest level of Nigerian football. His most notable achievement came during the 2022/23 campaign when he lifted the NPFL title with Enyimba, adding to the storied history of a club that has dominated Nigerian football for much of the past two decades.
During his three year stint in Aba with the People’s Elephant, Akanni elished himself as a reliable presence in the heart of midfield. He accumulated 62 appearances for the nine time NPFL champions, finding the back of the net on six occasions while helping orchestrate play from the center of the park. Those statistics reflect a player who combines defensive solidity with an ability to contribute in ing phases when required.
Barau FC will be counting on Akanni’s wealth of experience as they prepare for the upcoming NPFL season. For a club still building its identity in the top division, securing a player who has competed at championship level and understands the demands of Nigeria’s grueling football calendar represents a significant coup. His knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the league could prove invaluable to younger teammates still finding their feet at this level.
The midfielder’s move to Kano also represents a homecoming of sorts to the northern football scene, where he previously plied his trade with Katsina United before his successful period with Enyimba. Northern clubs have increasingly sought to strengthen their squads with experienced professionals who understand both the regional football culture and the tactical demands of competing against southern powerhouses.
As Barau FC continue their preparations for the new season, Akanni’s signing signals their ambition to compete more effectively in what promises to be another fiercely contested NPFL campaign. Whether his experience and winning mentality can translate into improved results for his new club remains to be seen, but his arrival certainly strengthens their midfield options and provides the kind of leadership that young squads desperately need when navigating the challenges of top tier Nigerian football.
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