Ahmed Musa, General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, has issued a heartfelt apology following the violent incidents that erupted during the club’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Sunday evening.
The tense encounter at Sani Abacha Stadium ended in chaos after 3SC netted a late equaliser, prompting sections of the home crowd to invade the pitch and attack visiting players, referees, and officials. Disturbing videos of the assault quickly spread across social media.
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In an official statement released on the club’s social media handles later that night, Musa condemned the behaviour of the fans and took full responsibility for 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 against Shooting Stars Sports Club on Sunday evening,” he said.
He described the events as “heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable,” emphasizing that the violent acts did not represent the identity or values of Kano Pillars.
“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,” the statement read in part.
Musa also apologised to all those affected — including Shooting Stars players and officials, the referees, the NPFL board, and football fans across Nigeria — stating that he was “deeply sorry” for the incident.
“Violence has no place in football. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and goes against everything this beautiful sport stands for,” he added, pledging that the club would work with authorities to identify and sanction those involved.
He vowed that Kano Pillars would take “strong internal steps” to ensure such an incident never recurs, adding that real fans must channel their passion positively.
“To our loyal fans, I want to speak directly to you. Kano Pillars is a proud club with a rich legacy, and you are the heartbeat of this club. But true support is shown not through violence, but through respect, passion, and discipline,” he urged.
Musa concluded with a broad apology to the entire football community, promising to rebuild trust in the club and the league.
“Once again, on behalf of Kano Pillars Football Club, I offer my most heartfelt and unreserved apology to everyone affected. To the NPFL, to Shooting Stars, to the referees, to the fans of Nigerian football, and to anyone who believes in the spirit of the game, we are sorry. I am sorry,” he concluded.
As of Monday morning, the NPFL board had not yet announced any disciplinary action regarding the incident.