NPFL: A Decade of Disgrace: How Kano Pillars’ Fans Became Synonymous with Violence
3 min read
By Sportsgister
The ugly scenes that marred the closing moments of the NPFL fixture between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday were not just unfortunate — they were disgraceful, predictable, and avoidable. Once again, when results did not favor Kano Pillars, chaos followed.
Once again, match officials and visiting players were assaulted. Once again, the nation’s football image was dragged through the mud by a section of fans who believe violence is a legitimate expression of passion.
When Shooting Stars equalized late in the game to snatch a point, what should have been a tense but fair contest descended into mayhem. Reports and images circulating on social media show brutalized Shooting Stars players and officials being chased from the field.
The home supporters alleged that their team was denied two penalties and that the equalizer was offside — as though these perceived injustices justify attacking fellow human beings.
This is not the first time Kano Pillars have been involved in violent incidents. In fact, it has become a disturbing pattern of behavior spanning over a decade — one that has gone largely unchecked by the authorities.
A Disturbing History of Violence
The record is damning:
1. April 25, 2013: Match against Heartland abandoned after a scuffle between police and fans; a police officer allegedly shot a fan inside the stadium.
2. 2013 season: Pitch encroachment after a game against Enyimba.
3. May 2014: After a draw with Heartland, supporters attacked match officials; Pillars were subsequently banished to Kaduna.
4. May 2016: Enyimba officials and bus attacked; objects hurled onto the pitch; match officials also assaulted.
5. June 2021: Pitch encroachment during the fixture against Akwa United.
6. April 16, 2022: Pitch invasion in the game against Katsina United; Katsina’s bus was vandalized, match abandoned.
7. October 2023: Encroachment following a late goal by Rivers United.
8. October 2025: Yet again, chaos following Shooting Stars’ late equalizer.
Eight serious incidents in ten years — each one leaving behind a trail of injuries, damaged property, and reputational harm to Nigerian football.
Fines Have Failed — It’s Time for Real Consequences
Since 2019 alone, Kano Pillars have been fined over ₦36 million for violent fan conduct:
₦8 million (June 2019)
₦2.5 million (March 2022)
₦9 million (April 2022)
₦2.25 million (June 2022)
₦1 million (October 2023)
₦12 million (January 2024)
₦2 million (October 2024)
Yet none of these fines have deterred the recurrence of violence. Why? Because fines alone do not instill discipline. For a club with a massive following and state backing, monetary penalties are easily absorbed.
The fans — the real culprits — feel no direct consequence.
NPFL Must Act Decisively
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must now send an unmistakable message: enough is enough.
Football cannot continue to be held hostage by mob behavior masquerading as fandom.
The NPFL should consider the following actions:
1. Long-Term Stadium Ban: Suspend all matches at the Sani Abacha Stadium until Pillars demonstrate concrete steps to control their fans — including enhanced security and proper fan identification systems.
2. Points Deduction: A clear and severe punishment that directly affects sporting performance will send a stronger deterrent than any fine ever could.
3. Closed-Door Matches: For the rest of the season, Kano Pillars should be compelled to play without fans until the club can guarantee safety for players and officials.
4. Individual Prosecution: Perpetrators identified in violent incidents should face legal action — assault is a crime, not a footballing offense.
5. Mandatory Education Programs: The NPFL should compel Kano Pillars to run fan education campaigns in partnership with local leaders and supporters’ unions.
Football Is Not War
Kano Pillars remain one of Nigeria’s most storied clubs — with passionate supporters, a proud tradition, and a strong legacy in domestic football.
But passion without control is poison. The Sani Abacha Stadium, once a fortress of pride, has become a recurring crime scene of intimidation and thuggery.
This is not about bias or regional sentiment. It’s about accountability, consistency, and the integrity of Nigerian football.
Every time Kano Pillars’ fans attack players, match officials, or visiting supporters, they endanger lives, tarnish the league’s reputation, and make it harder for sponsors, investors, and fans to believe in the NPFL project.
If the NPFL truly wants to build a professional, credible, and safe football environment, then it cannot afford to look the other way anymore.
Kano Pillars must face decisive sanctions not out of hatred, but out of necessity.
Because until real consequences are enforced, violence will remain the only language some fans understand.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
