Kabiru Dogo, El-Kanemi Warriors head coach, has refused to admit that his side were beaten on merit by Barau FC in Sunday’s 2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 36 clash Completesports.com reports.
Instead, Dogo claims the defeat was a product of “frustration” caused by the match officials, whom he alleged had “chosen a side” in the game.
El-Kanemi Warriors Slip Deeper Into Relegation Trouble
Barau FC scored three unanswered goals against Dogo’s side, a devastating result that pushed El-Kanemi Warriors down to 18th place with 43 points, leaving them facing imminent relegation.
Sunday Anthony opened the scoring in the 36th minute, as the home side went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
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Henry Ezeonye doubled Barau’s advantage in the 70th minute, while Joseph Atule, a former Enyimba forward, added the third in the 79th minute.
Coach Dogo Slams Match Officiating
A disappointed Dogo did not hide his frustration after the match, telling reporters during the post-match press conference that the officiating “frustrated” his team and contributed to the heavy defeat.
“I was disappointed, not because of the result, but by the way the match was officiated,” Dogo said when asked about his feelings after the game.
“When you’re frustrated, there’s nothing you can do. As far as this match is concerned, I’m really disappointed — not because of the result, but by the way the match was handled.
“From the very beginning, the referee showed that he had a side. About three or four weeks ago, this same referee officiated our home match against Katsina United and proved to be a FIFA referee to all of us.
“But today, even before we started the game, he had already chosen a side. And when you’re frustrated, there’s nothing you can do. Even as a man, when your wife decides to frustrate you, there’s nothing you can do. That’s exactly what caused our defeat today,” Dogo lamented.
El-Kanemi Warriors Boss Defends Tactics, Questions Key Decisions
Dogo refused to fault his tactical approach, particularly his substitutions during the match.
“Forget about tactics. Look at the way he (the referee) was protecting their players, but not ours.
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“Before Barau scored their first goal, we should have had a penalty because our striker had a clear opportunity to score. Go and watch the video clip. Look at their second goal.”
Survival Hope Remains For El-Kanemi Warriors
On what lies ahead for El-Kanemi Warriors, who now find themselves in the relegation zone with two games remaining, Dogo insisted the club will fight to survive.
“By God’s grace, we’ll go back home, prepare well, and make sure that we win at all costs against Niger Tornadoes. I believe that with those three points, our position will be safe.
“By God’s grace, we’ll survive. I just pray the match officials are fair to everybody. Everyone saw what happened here today regarding officiating.
“I lost 0-3 to Kano Pillars and I did not complain. But today is the worst officiating I’ve seen this season.”
By Sab Osuji
