Kano Pillars General Manager Ahmed Musah renders apology after pitch invasion incident in league match

Kano Pillars General Manager Ahmed Musah has issued an apology following a violent pitch invasion by the club’s fans during an NPFL match against Shooting Stars Sports Club.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was thrown into disrepute on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after violent scenes erupted during the Matchday 8 encounter between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The heated fixture, which began in front of a packed home crowd, took a dark turn in the closing stages. Kano Pillars had taken an early lead in the 9th minute, but Shooting Stars fought hard and equalized dramatically in stoppage time.

Enraged fans, reportedly frustrated by perceived biased officiating, stormed the pitch, breaking through security barriers, assaulted the referee, and also attacked some Shooting Stars players and officials.

The violence was so severe that players Ismail Ayodele and Adams Agba’a sustained head injuries, prompting security forces to eventually use tear gas to restore order.

However, the former Nigeria captain, who doubles as the General Manager of Kano Pillars has issued a heartfelt apology, expressing profound shame over the incident.

“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… What transpired against Shooting Stars is heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable. It does not represent the true values, identity, or the proud history of Kano Pillars,” he wrote.

He tendered an “unreserved apology” to the players, coaches, officials, and supporters of Shooting Stars, as well as to the referees and the NPFL.

“Violence has no place in football… We understand that apologies alone are not enough. Words must be followed by action,” Musa stated, assuring that the club will work with authorities to identify those responsible. “We take full responsibility and will do everything necessary to restore trust, respect, and the true spirit of football in Kano and across Nigeria.”