AFCON 2025
The Nigeria Professional Football League has imposed strong disciplinary measures on Kano Pillars following violent scenes during their home match against Shooting Stars on Sunday in Kano.
Trouble broke out after Adams Mustapha scored a stoppage-time equaliser for the visitors at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Enraged supporters invaded the pitch, threw objects and attacked match officials and Shooting Stars players. Security personnel used teargas to bring the situation under control.
In its Summary Jurisdiction Notice signed by Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the NPFL found Kano Pillars guilty of several breaches, including inadequate security, crowd mismanagement, assault on officials and misconduct by supporters.
The league handed down the following penalties:
* A fine of 9.5 million naira covering the disturbances, assaults and compensation
* Deduction of three points and three goals from their league record
* Immediate closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium and relocation of home matches to Katsina for at least ten games
* Mandatory identification and prosecution of those involved in the violence
* Submission of an improved stadium security and crowd control plan within seven working days
Kano Pillars have 48 hours to accept the ruling or appeal, although the NPFL warned that a frivolous appeal could attract further punishment.
General Manager Ahmed Musa condemned the incident, calling it shameful and unacceptable. He apologised to Shooting Stars and match officials and promised to work with authorities to identify the offenders.
The sanctions are among the toughest issued by the league in recent years and signal a renewed push to curb violence and protect referees and visiting teams.
The deduction and stadium ban could significantly affect Kano Pillars’ season unless an appeal changes the outcome.
