NPFL Condemns Violence After Kano Pillars vs Shooting Stars Match

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has denounced the violent scenes that erupted after Sunday’s 1–1 draw between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The unrest began moments after the final whistle when Kano Pillars supporters stormed the pitch, attacking match officials, players, and Shooting Stars staff following a stoppage-time equaliser.

Kano Pillars initially took the lead in the 9th minute through Mustapha Jibrin, and fans were on the verge of celebrating a home victory. However, Adams Mustapha’s late goal for Shooting Stars turned the atmosphere chaotic.

In a statement, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi strongly condemned the incident and assured that swift sanctions would follow once official reports were reviewed.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans,” Owumi said. “This incident is being treated with utmost seriousness. Appropriate actions will follow after reviewing the Match Commissioner and Referees’ reports.”

League officials have contacted match officials and Shooting Stars representatives to ensure their safety.

Kano Pillars’ management also issued a statement acknowledging the unrest but noted that security personnel quickly contained the situation. Several individuals involved were arrested and handed over to the police.

The club pledged full cooperation with authorities and announced strict penalties: “All identified troublemakers will be banned from the Sani Abacha Stadium for the next 10 seasons,” the statement read.