NPFL Slams Heavy Sanctions on Kano Pillars Following Violence Against Shooting Stars and Match Officials
Chaos erupted at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano after Kano Pillars’ fans violently attacked match officials and Shooting Stars players. The violence followed a dramatic late equaliser by the visiting team. The fallout has been swift and heavy, with the NPFL imposing multiple sanctions on Kano Pillars; including fines, points deductions, and stadium bans. The incident has once again raised pressing questions about matchday security and crowd control in Nigerian football.
How The Match Unfolded
The highly anticipated clash between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars SC (3SC) started brightly for the home side. Mustapha Jibrin opened the scoring for Pillars in the 9th minute, sending fans into celebration. For most of the match, Pillars held their lead and looked set to take all three points.
However, deep into stoppage time, 3SC’s Adams Mustapha found a dramatic equaliser. The atmosphere in the stadium turned hostile. At the final whistle, furious home supporters stormed the pitch. Match officials and several Shooting Stars players were physically assaulted. Some were pelted with objects; others were chased across the pitch. The situation quickly spiraled, forcing security forces to deploy teargas to disperse the crowd and restore order.
The Decisive Moment
Adams Mustapha’s stoppage-time equaliser proved to be the flashpoint. With Pillars moments away from victory, the late goal stunned the home crowd. Emotions boiled over. Instead of disappointment, a section of the fans responded with violence turning a dramatic football finish into a shameful spectacle.
What This Means For Both Teams
For Kano Pillars, the consequences have been severe. The NPFL docked the club three points and three goals from their tally. Financially, Pillars were slammed with a ₦9.5 million fine for various offences; including endangering lives, violent conduct, and failure to control fans.
Even more damaging is the indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium to Pillars’ home games. The team has been banished to Katsina for at least ten matches, pending a review. They have also been ordered to identify and prosecute the fans responsible for the violence and submit a new stadium security plan within seven days. Pillars now have 48 hours to accept or appeal the league’s sanctions. But the hit to their title hopes and reputation is already clear.
For Shooting Stars, the point gained in Kano was overshadowed by the violence. Players and staff were attacked, and some required medical treatment. However, the league has extended its support to the club, with compensation measures included in the sanctions imposed on Pillars.
Reaction and What’s Next
Kano Pillars General Manager and Super Eagles legend Ahmed Musa issued an unreserved apology. He described the incident as “unfortunate, painful, and disgraceful,” promising full cooperation with the authorities to ensure those responsible face justice.
The NPFL, meanwhile, has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on crowd violence. It has also announced a review of the officiating crew from the match, in case poor officiating played a role in escalating tensions.
All eyes are now on Pillars: will they appeal, or accept their punishment? The league’s response has set a strong precedent. Clubs across the NPFL will be on alert fan violence now carries real consequences, both on and off the pitch.
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