Kano Pillars General Manager, Ahmed Musa, and Shooting Stars Sports Club have condemned the violent scenes that disrupted Sunday’s NPFL clash in Kano.
In a heartfelt statement, Musa described the incident as “heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable,” adding that it does not reflect the true values or proud history of Kano Pillars Football Club.
“This club has always stood for community, passion, and respect — values that must never be overshadowed by violence or indiscipline,” he said. “Sadly, today, we fell far short of that standard.”
The former Super Eagles captain offered an unreserved apology to Shooting Stars, the match officials, NPFL board, GTI partners, league organisers, and fans across Nigeria who were left appalled by the incident.
“Violence has no place in football. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and goes against everything this beautiful sport stands for,” he stressed.
Musa assured stakeholders that Kano Pillars will cooperate fully with authorities to identify and sanction individuals involved in the attack, adding that internal measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence.
Addressing fans directly, he reminded them that true loyalty should be expressed through “respect, passion, and discipline,” not aggression.*
“This must be a turning point for us. Our passion should lift the club’s image, not stain it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) strongly condemned the violent conduct directed at its players and officials during the fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The club revealed that the game, which saw Kano Pillars score early before 3SC equalized in the 94th minute, descended into chaos as fans invaded the pitch and attacked its players.
3SC called on the NPFL board and security agencies to investigate the incident, punish those responsible, and safeguard the integrity of Nigerian football.