NPFL Slaps Kano Pillars with N9.5m Fine, Points Deduction for Fan Violence

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has delivered a heavy blow to Kano Pillars Football Club by imposing stringent sanctions in response to the violent conduct exhibited by their supporters during their recent league encounter against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

According to a Summary Jurisdiction Notice dated October 13 and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, Kano Pillars were found guilty of multiple breaches including failure to provide effective security, poor control over supporters, throwing of dangerous objects, misconduct that brought the game into disrepute, and assault on visiting players and match officials.

The league has now fined the club a total of ₦9.5 million broken down as follows: ₦1 million each for failing to provide adequate security, failure to control supporters, throwing dangerous objects at match officials, and conduct bringing the game into disrepute; ₦2 million for the assault on Shooting Stars players and match officials; ₦2 million as compensation for treatment and damages; and ₦1.5 million as additional compensation paid to match officials.

Beyond financial penalties, Kano Pillars have been stripped of three points and three goals from their accumulated league total. Additionally, the NPFL has ordered the indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium as a venue for Kano Pillars’ home matches. The club is mandated to play its next ten home fixtures at an alternative venue in Katsina or until the league deems that adequate security measures are in place.

The club has also been directed to identify and prosecute the individuals involved in the pitch invasion and to submit a revised matchday security and crowd control plan within seven working days.

ADVERTISEMENT

The NPFL statement underscores the league’s unwavering determination to uphold the values of safety, discipline, and fair play, warning all clubs and their supporters that violence and misconduct will attract severe consequences.

Kano Pillars now face a 48-hour ultimatum to accept these sanctions or appeal before an NPFL disciplinary panel, with the league cautioning that frivolous appeals will result in additional penalties.

This stern action serves as a clear message that fan violence has no place in Nigerian football and reinforces the league’s zero-tolerance policy on crowd trouble to protect the integrity and spirit of the game .