NPFL Condemns Fans’ Invasion During Kano Pillars vs Shooting Stars Clash, Promises Swift Action
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expressed strong concern over the fans’ invasion that disrupted the Matchday 8 fixture between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday.
The league’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, in a statement after the game, condemned the incident, describing it as “unacceptable and damaging” to the spirit of fair play that the NPFL strives to uphold.
Owumi noted that the league body is currently awaiting full match reports and video evidence from both the Match Commissioner and the Referees before taking disciplinary action.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans,” Owumi stated.
He further assured stakeholders that the incident will not be ignored, emphasizing that discipline and safety remain top priorities for the NPFL.
“We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining discipline, safety, and professionalism at all league venues across the country,” he added.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the result was overshadowed by the crowd trouble that followed.
⚽ Opinion: Nigeria’s Football Passion Must Not Turn Into Chaos
Incidents like the one at the Sani Abacha Stadium continue to paint a worrying picture of fan behavior in Nigerian football. While passion is the heartbeat of the sport, it must never spill over into violence or intimidation.
Football thrives on excitement, not fear. When fans invade pitches or harass officials, they not only endanger lives but also tarnish the credibility of the league — a league already striving to gain international recognition and sponsorship stability.
The NPFL’s swift response is commendable, but words must translate into firm action. Stadium bans, fines, and security reforms should follow — not as punishment alone but as deterrents. Clubs, too, must take responsibility for their supporters’ conduct by enforcing stronger crowd control measures.
Ultimately, the Nigerian game deserves better — a league where families can attend matches without fear, where players can perform without intimidation, and where passion is celebrated, not feared.
If the NPFL truly wants to build a world-class league, discipline off the pitch is just as important as talent on it.
