2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 8 Review: Kano Erupts as Shooting Stars SC Secures a Point

Posted : 13 October 2025

Kano Pillars fans attacked match officials and Shooting Stars players after a 1–1 draw in Kano, prompting an apology from the club.

The Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, erupted in violence on Sunday as irate fans attacked match officials and the visiting Shooting Stars SC team over what they described as poor officiating.

The visibly angry fans inflicted various degrees of injuries on members of the away team and match officials, who were beaten after the ill-fated Matchday 8 fixture of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Law enforcement agencies struggled to restore order following the 1–1 draw, as the home supporters went on a rampage after a late Kano Pillars goal was ruled out for offside — a decision that sparked outrage in the stands.

At the final whistle, angry fans invaded the pitch, pelting objects and chasing match officials and opposing players. Shooting Stars players and technical staff were also attacked before security operatives intervened and escorted them to safety.

The incident is expected to attract serious sanctions from the NPFL board, as the league continues to grapple with recurring crowd violence and inadequate stadium security.

In response to the chaos, Kano Pillars’ General Manager, Ahmed Musa, issued an unreserved apology to football stakeholders. The club also announced plans to ban identified offenders for 10 years.

A statement from the club’s media department read:

“After the successful completion of the NPFL Matchday 8 fixture between Kano Pillars FC and Shooting Stars SC, the club wishes to address the unfortunate conduct of a few unruly individuals following the 1–1 result at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

Immediately after the final whistle, some misguided persons attempted to cause disorder within the stadium premises. However, thanks to the swift intervention of our stewards and security agencies, the situation was promptly brought under control.

We are pleased to confirm that players of both teams and match officials all left the stadium unhurt and were safely escorted by security operatives.

The club also confirms that several individuals involved in the unruly act have been arrested and handed over to security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

Kano Pillars FC will fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full wrath of the law. Furthermore, the management will impose strict sanctions by banning all identified troublemakers from accessing the Sani Abacha Stadium for the next 10 seasons.

The club remains committed to maintaining peace, discipline, and a conducive environment for football in line with the rules of the NPFL and the Nigeria Football Federation.

We urge our supporters to continue showing passion and support for the team in a peaceful and orderly manner as true ambassadors of Kano Pillars FC.”

The NPFL board is expected to launch an investigation and issue disciplinary measures in the coming days.

2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 8 Review: Kano Erupts as Shooting Stars SC Secures a Point

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