NPFL condemns violence after Pillars vs Shooting Stars draw
Chaos erupted at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano after the final whistle of the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 8 fixture between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars. The match ended 1-1, after Shooting Stars scored a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time. Fans of the home side reacted violently, invading the pitch and attacking match officials and players of the visiting club. Several Shooting Stars players were injured, including Ismail Ayodele and Adams Agba’a, who reportedly suffered head injuries. Security forces resorted to using teargas in an effort to restore order as chaos reigned.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), through its Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, issued a statement condemning the violent behaviour. He said acts of violence, intimidation, or misconduct toward referees, players or fans are unacceptable. He assured that once the Match Commissioner’s report and video evidence are reviewed, appropriate sanctions will follow. He also confirmed that the safety of match officials and Shooting Stars representatives has been secured.
Kano Pillars FC also responded, acknowledging that the scenes were unacceptable and promising cooperation with authorities. The club announced that those involved in the disturbance have been apprehended and handed over to police. The General Manager of Kano Pillars, Ahmed Musa, described the incident as “disgraceful, unfortunate, and painful,” and tendered unreserved apologies to all affected parties including Shooting Stars, the referees, the league, and football fans. He pledged internal measures to avoid recurrence.
This incident marks another alarming moment in NPFL’s struggle with fan violence. Kano Pillars have been sanctioned in past seasons for similar misconduct by their supporters. The league’s rules provide for heavy punishments including fines, stadium bans, point deductions, and suspension of individuals found culpable. The question now is what penalties will be imposed this time and whether they will serve as sufficient deterrent moving forward.
