Dominic Iorfa Dismisses Rift In Barau FC Of Kano, Maintains The Goal For This Season Is The Focus Of Club’s Fraternity

Dominic Iorfa Dismisses Rift In Barau FC Of Kano, Maintains The Goal For This Season Is The Focus Of Club’s Fraternity

Barau FC General Manager Addresses Post-Match Controversy, Dismisses Rift Speculation, Expresses Confidence in Team’s NPFL Campaign

Barau FC General Manager, Chief Dominic Iorfa, has expressed disappointment over the alleged misconduct of some club stewards following the team’s NPFL Matchday 10 encounter against Kwara United, which ended in a draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, on Sunday.

In this interview, Iorfa speaks on the post-match incident, the responsibilities of stewards, his decision to sit on the technical bench, speculation surrounding his relationship with Chief Coach Eugene Agagbe, and the club’s prospects for the remainder of the season.

Q: *Some stewards were reportedly involved in an incident after Sunday’s match against Kwara United, during which the stadium exit was blocked. What exactly happened?*

*IORFA*: I am disappointed by the alleged conduct of some of our stewards after the match. Although the encounter ended in a draw, the post-match atmosphere was reportedly marred by the actions of some disgruntled stewards who blocked the stadium exit, preventing players and technical officials of both Barau FC and Kwara United from leaving the venue.

It took my intervention, alongside the concerted efforts of other officials, before the players and technical crews of both teams were eventually allowed to leave the stadium.

What pains me most is that stewards are supposed to maintain order and protect everyone at the stadium, not create situations that could lead to tension or bring embarrassment to the club.

Q: *A video has also circulated on social media, allegedly showing some stewards claiming that Barau FC players and technical officials were attacked after the match. What is your reaction?*

*IORFA*: I addressed the video during my press briefing at Sultanate Hotel on Monday morning. I am disappointed by what appears to be an attempt to create unnecessary friction and give the public the impression that Barau FC is experiencing an internal crisis.

We must understand that football is a game of emotions, but those emotions must be managed responsibly. Nobody should engage in conduct capable of damaging the club’s image or creating unnecessary controversy.

Most of these stewards are sponsored by individuals who were once part of the Barau FC family but are no longer with us. Unfortunately, I believe some of these individuals are bent on undermining the club by creating confusion and portraying us in a bad light.

I am using this medium to appeal to the leadership to take decisive action against those involved in these alleged acts of misconduct. Otherwise, management may have no other option than to take appropriate disciplinary measures.

Our responsibility is to protect the club, promote sportsmanship and ensure that football remains a positive experience for everyone.

Q: *What should be the proper role of stewards during football matches, and what concerns do you have about their conduct?*

*IORFA*: In well-organised football environments, stewards are deployed to protect the playing environment and ensure the safety of spectators. They face the crowd, with their backs to the playing field, and are expected to caution supporters who may want to act irresponsibly. Their primary responsibility is to maintain law and order.

I am particularly concerned that the reverse appears to be the case here. Some stewards come to the technical bench to insult coaches and attempt to influence substitutions during matches. Such behaviour is unacceptable and must stop. Any recurrence will not be tolerated.

Stewards must understand that their responsibility is to support the smooth running of matches, protect players and officials, and ensure spectators remain safe. They must not become a source of tension themselves.

Q: *What measures will the club take to prevent a recurrence of these incidents?*

*IORFA*: I intend to engage the leadership of the stewards to address the situation. We must find a way to resolve these issues and ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities.

If such incidents persist, the club might have no option but to consider playing our home matches behind closed doors to avoid possible sanctions from the league authorities.

That is certainly not what we want. We want our supporters in the stadium, encouraging the team and contributing positively to the atmosphere. However, we must also protect the club from avoidable disciplinary consequences.

Q: *You have commended the sportsmanship displayed by supporters in other cities. How important is this to you?*

*IORFA*: Sportsmanship is very important in football. We played twice in Lagos and earned points against Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City. In Port Harcourt, Rivers United supporters applauded our team after a goalless draw. We received a similar reception in Owerri against Kun Khalifat.

I expected our supporters in Kano, particularly the stewards, to reciprocate that same gesture.

We must learn to accept results, whether we win, draw or lose. Our supporters should encourage the players and appreciate the efforts of both teams. We must not allow the outcome of a football match to create hostility or undermine the progress we are making as a club.

Q: *Your decision to sit on the technical bench rather than watch matches from the stands has generated discussion. Why did you make that decision?*

*IORFA*: When I initially took charge of Barau FC, I usually watched matches from the stands before proceeding to the dressing room at half-time to interact with the players. However, I was denied access to the dressing room on several occasions, particularly during away matches in Jos, Maiduguri, Aba and Owerri.

Sometimes, while watching a game, you observe certain things that you believe should be communicated to the coach at half-time. You may want to encourage the players, share observations or motivate them to ensure they approach the second half in high spirits. Unfortunately, I was prevented from doing so on several occasions.

Since then, I have decided to be among the seven registered officials on matchdays. That way, nobody can deny me access to the dressing room when I need to speak with the players.

Q: *Your presence on the technical bench has also fuelled speculation about your relationship with Chief Coach Eugene Agagbe. Is there any disagreement between you?*

*IORFA:* There is no reason to suggest that there is a rift between us. The speculation may have arisen following reports that I took charge of the team’s training session after our encounter against Rangers International.

The truth is that Coach Eugene Agagbe was away attending his CAF A Licence course, and I had to oversee the team’s fitness training in his absence. As General Manager, I believe in doing whatever is necessary to ensure that the team remains in good shape and continues to make progress.

The exercise proved beneficial, as the team subsequently put up an encouraging performance against Rivers United.

Q: *You have previously combined different responsibilities in football management. Can you tell us more about that experience?*

*IORFA*: During the 2012/2013 season at Lobi Stars, barely two weeks before the commencement of the league, my chief coach left to join Ocean Boys of Bayelsa State. I was left with no option but to take up the dual responsibility of club chairman and chief coach.

We narrowly lost the league title to Kano Pillars after six points were deducted from our accrued points following the withdrawal of Nembe City from the league. We won five away matches and also reached the final of the FA Cup, now known as the Federation Cup, although we lost to Enyimba on penalties.

That experience taught me that football management requires flexibility, commitment and a willingness to take responsibility when circumstances demand it.

Q: *Some supporters have expressed concerns about Barau FC’s results this season. How would you assess the team’s performance so far?*

*IORFA*: We have played 10 matches out of the 38 scheduled for the season, with 28 more to go. Of the 10 matches played, we have lost only one, won three, drawn two at home and recorded four draws away from home. Our only defeat came against Bendel Insurance.

We currently occupy fifth position on the league table, just two points behind leaders Rivers United. The league is still in its early stages, and there is no reason to panic. We remain focused on our objectives for the season.

Barau FC have played only about 48 matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League since gaining promotion last year. You cannot compare us with established clubs such as Kano Pillars, Kwara United, Enyimba and Enugu Rangers, which have accumulated far more experience in the league.

Despite our limited experience, we are still among the top five teams. Football is not a do-or-die affair. It is a game of fair play in which you either win, draw or lose.

Q: *You have described yourself as someone willing to perform any role necessary to achieve success. Does that explain your approach to managing Barau FC?*

*IORFA*: Mind you, I am the General Manager of Barau FC, and I manage all the affairs of the club. I can decide to act as a manager, a journalist or even train the players whenever I feel the right thing needs to be done.

My sole responsibility is to ensure that the club succeeds. Whatever role I need to play to achieve that objective, I will play. Nobody has the right to question my decisions when they are aimed at moving the club forward.

I was brought in to revive the club and ensure that we play good football, and that is exactly what I am doing. The Grand Patron has absolute confidence in my managerial acumen, which is why he brought me on board at a time when the ship was sinking.

I remain committed to delivering on that mandate.

Q: *Finally, what is your message to Barau FC supporters as the season progresses?*

*IORFA*: I want our supporters to remain patient and continue to support the team. We are still building, and there is a lot of work to be done. We have demonstrated that we can compete in this league, and our current position reflects the progress we have made.

I also commend the competitive nature of the NPFL and the quality of officiating. Results across the league have demonstrated that visiting teams can earn points on the road, and Barau FC have benefited from this competitive balance.

We will continue to work hard, approach our subsequent fixtures with renewed determination and strive to return to winning ways.

I assure our supporters that the club remains firmly on course, and we are determined to finish the season strongly. I urge everyone to support the team responsibly and avoid actions capable of undermining our progress.