17/08/2026
FC BASIRA GUSAU/AHLAN CUP JOURNEY CUT SHORT IN A PENALTY FRENZY
Sunday, August 16, 2026
FC Basira’s journey at the 5th Edition of the Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament has come to an end after the Lafia-based side suffered a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout defeat to Ranchers Bees FC on Sunday morning at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina State.
The Baffa Boys started the encounter brightly, creating a number of opportunities but were unable to convert their chances.
Ranchers Bees took the lead in the 38th minute when Jude Okorie produced a fine close-range finish to put the Kaduna side ahead.
Coach Aminu Musa’s men pushed hard in search of an equaliser, but the Ranchers Bees defence remained resolute as the first half ended 1-0.
Following the restart, Basira introduced former Nasarawa United midfielder Peter Eneji, whose impact was felt almost immediately.
In the 55th minute, Eneji stepped up to take a sensational free-kick, sending the ball straight into the back of the net to restore parity and make it 1-1.
With neither side able to find a decisive winner during regulation time, the encounter proceeded to a tense penalty shootout.
The shootout turned into a marathon as both teams traded successful kicks, but Ranchers Bees eventually prevailed 9-8 to send the Lafia-based side out of the competition.
With their Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament campaign now over, FC Basira will shift full attention to preparations for the upcoming 2025/2026 NNL season, with the aim of building a formidable squad capable of competing strongly in the new campaign.
Despite the disappointing exit, the tournament provided valuable competitive exposure for the Baffa Boys as they continue preparations for the season ahead.
FC BASIRA LINE-UP: Umar Salisu, Aminu Yarima, Abubakar Yusuf, Dasok Masoyi, Ikenna Offor, Chidera Ogbu(Victor Elias 89'), Abdullahi Ibrahim(Peter Eneji 55'), Mamud Mohammed(Ibrahim Adamu 59'), George Silvester(John Tsekaa 64'), Gynemi Abashiya(Richard Teryila 78'), Ebuka(Emmanuel Iliya 90'+2)
UNUSED SUB: Samson Emmanuel, Ifeanyi Eze, Ewuga Philip, Suleiman Ibrahim, Jibrin Kaura, Stephen Choji, Chiemerie Matthew, Hassan Mohammed, Abdullahi Dee, Salim Umar.
Ramalan Abubakar
Media Officer, FC Basira
