The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed down severe sanctions to Kano Pillars Football Club following the violent incidents that disrupted their Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
In a Summary Jurisdiction Notice dated October 13, 2025, and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the league found the Kano-based club guilty of violating multiple sections of its Framework and Rules, including Rules B13.52, C9, B1.31.8, C1.1, and C11.
Details of NPFL’s Findings
According to the league’s statement, Kano Pillars failed to:
- Provide adequate and effective security during the match
- Ensure the proper conduct of supporters
- Prevent fans from throwing dangerous objects towards match officials and players
- Protect away team players and officials from physical assault
- Maintain the integrity and reputation of the league
The league body described the acts as “misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute,” emphasizing that such incidents undermine the progress made in improving matchday safety and professionalism in the NPFL.
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Breakdown of the Sanctions
The NPFL imposed a total fine of ₦9.5 million on Kano Pillars and enforced several sporting and operational penalties, including:
- ₦1,000,000 for failure to provide effective security.
- ₦1,000,000 for throwing dangerous objects at players and match officials.
- ₦1,000,000 for failure to control supporters.
- ₦1,000,000 for misconduct damaging to the game’s image.
- ₦2,000,000 for assaulting away team players and officials.
- ₦2,000,000 as compensation for treatment and damages inflicted on Shooting Stars players and staff.
- ₦1,500,000 as compensation to the match officials.
- Deduction of three (3) points and three (3) goals from Kano Pillars’ total accrued points.
- Indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium, with the club ordered to play home matches in Katsina until the league is satisfied that adequate crowd control measures are in place.
- A directive to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible for invading the pitch and attacking officials within seven working days.
League’s Ultimatum and Warning
Kano Pillars were given 48 hours to either accept the ruling or face a disciplinary panel hearing. All financial penalties must be settled within seven working days.
The NPFL warned that any appeal deemed frivolous could result in additional sanctions under Rule E1 of the NPFL Framework.
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Widespread Condemnation
The violence in Kano sparked outrage among fans, football stakeholders, and administrators across Nigeria. Many described the scenes as a setback to ongoing efforts to restore confidence in local football.
This is not the first time Kano Pillars have faced disciplinary action for fan misconduct, raising fresh concerns about crowd management and accountability in Nigerian football.
With these new sanctions, the NPFL has once again sent a strong message to clubs that violent behavior and fan indiscipline will not be tolerated in any form.
