Kano Pillars General Manager, Ahmed Musa, has apologised following the violent scenes that disrupted his team’s Nigeria Premier Football League match against Shooting Stars Sports Club in Kano on Sunday evening.
The match, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, ended in chaos after Shooting Stars scored a late equaliser, prompting sections of Kano Pillars fans to invade the pitch and attack players, referees, and officials.
Videos shared online showed moments of panic as players and officials fled from the crowd.
In a statement released on Sunday night, Musa condemned the incident and took full responsibility on behalf of the club.
“I, Ahmed Musa, the General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, extend my deepest and most sincere apologies for the unfortunate, painful, and disgraceful incident that occurred during our game against Shooting Stars Sports Club on Sunday evening,” the former Super Eagles captain wrote.
He described the fans’ actions as “heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable,” adding that they did not reflect the values of the club.
“This club has always stood for community, passion, and respect, values that must never be overshadowed by violence or indiscipline,” Musa said.
He apologised to Shooting Stars players, coaches, officials, match referees, the NPFL board, GTI partners, and fans across Nigeria and beyond who watched the scenes with “anger, shock, and disappointment.”
“Violence has no place in football. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and goes against everything this sport stands for. Football is meant to unite, to inspire, to bring joy,” he added.
Musa assured that the club would work with the authorities to identify those responsible and ensure they face punishment.
He also urged Kano Pillars fans to uphold the club’s legacy through discipline and respect.
“To our loyal fans, I want to speak directly to you. True support is shown not through violence, but through respect, passion, and discipline. This must be a turning point for us,” he said.
Musa concluded by promising that the club would take concrete steps to prevent future violence and rebuild public trust in Nigerian football.
The NPFL board has yet to announce its disciplinary decisions regarding the incid
