Nigeria Premier Football League: Kano Pillars-FC Barau match to be played behind closed doors

Football fans in Nigeria will not be allowed to watch the Nigerian Premier Football League clash between FC Barau and Kano Pillars.

The much-anticipated clash to be staged at the Sani Abacha Stadium will not have the usual roar of crowd per the directives of the Nigerian Premier League Football League, following the unfortunate pitch invasion incident in Kano Pillars home game against Shooting Stars last weekend.

The decision stem from the violent scenes that erupted during the matchday 8 encounter between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano last Sunday.

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 Nigerian Premier Football League has ordered Kano Pillars to play their game against FC Barau behind closed doors as a sign of punishment, a move aimed at curbing future incidents and reinforcing matchday discipline.

Meanwhile, Kano Pillars has been fined N9.5m, docked three points and three goals, and ordered to host the remainder of their home matches in Katsina.

Both teams are feeling the heat going into this game. FC Barau sits at the bottom of the NPFL table with just one win all season, so they’re itching for a big performance, especially against their more established city rivals. Kano Pillars aren’t much better off, hanging around 17th place with eight points and still trying to find their footing after a shaky start to the campaign.