“Chaos in Kano: Angry Kano Pillars Fans Attack Referee and Shooting Stars Players After Dramatic Equaliser in NPFL Match ”

 

Breaking News, October 13, 2025

Tension erupted at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Sunday after angry Kano Pillars fans attacked the referee, Shooting Stars players, and match officials following a dramatic late equaliser in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture.

The highly anticipated clash between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan,   ended in chaos as supporters invaded the pitch moments after the visitors leveled the scoreline in stoppage time. The match, which had been intense from start to finish, took an ugly turn when emotions spilled over into violence.

Eyewitnesses reported that immediately after the referee blew for full time, a section of Kano Pillars fans stormed the pitch, throwing bottles and other objects at officials and opposing players. Security officers quickly intervened to protect the referee and Shooting Stars team, who were escorted out of the stadium under heavy guard.

According to reports, several individuals sustained minor injuries during the incident, while property around the technical area was damaged.

One source described the scene as “a total breakdown of order” as police fired tear gas to disperse the angry crowd.

“Fans felt the referee’s decisions were unfair, and when Shooting Stars scored that equaliser, they couldn’t control their anger,” said a spectator who witnessed the unrest.

 

In a brief statement, Shooting Stars officials condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable and disappointing.”
The club urged the NPFL to take swift action to ensure that such violent scenes do not repeat in Nigerian football.

“We came to Kano to play football, not to be attacked. We appreciate the security personnel who protected our players and staff,” the club spokesperson said.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) management is expected to investigate the incident and impose appropriate sanctions on Kano Pillars.
Clubs have previously faced stadium bans, heavy fines, and point deductions for similar crowd violence.

League analysts say such incidents threaten the positive image the NPFL is trying to build, especially as the league gains more attention from local and international audiences.

Football stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger stadium security and stricter fan control measures.
They also urged fans to embrace sportsmanship and allow referees to perform their duties without intimidation or fear.

“The NPFL has made progress, but fan discipline remains a big challenge. We must do better,” one analyst noted.

Despite the violence, the match ended 1–1, with the equalising goal from Shooting Stars standing as the official result pending NPFL confirmation.

Both teams are expected to resume league action next weekend under close scrutiny from league authorities.