Ahmed Musa apologises for Kano Pillars fans violent misconduct after draw

The General Manager of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Kano Pillars, Ahmed Musa, has apologised for the recent violent scenes that occurred during their league match against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Sunday.

Fans of Kano Pillars stormed the pitch and attacked the match officials and visiting players following a dramatic, late equaliser by 3SC making their game end 1-1 draw.

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.

What transpired against…

— Ahmed Musa (MON) (OON) 🎖️🎖️ (@Ahmedmusa718) October 12, 2025

In a statement issued late Sunday, Musa described the incident as heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable, as it does not represent the true values or proud history 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. This club has always stood for community, passion, and respect, values that must never be overshadowed by violence or indiscipline. As a club with deep roots and loyal supporters, we are expected to set an example of fairness and honour on and off the pitch. Sadly, today, we fell far short of that standard.”

‘Violence has no place in football’

Musa tendered an unreserved apology to Shooting Stars’ players, coaches, fans, match officials, and league organisers, promising that the club will cooperate with authorities to identify and sanction those responsible.

“I tender an unreserved apology to the players, coaches, officials, and supporters of Shooting Stars Sports Club, to the match referees and league officials who were caught in this terrible situation, to the Nigeria Premier Football League board and its partners at GTI, to the league organisers, and to every football fan across Nigeria and beyond who watched these scenes with anger, shock, and disappointment.

CRAZY SCENES IN KANO‼️

Chaos erupted as irate Kano Pillars FC fans stormed the pitch — the referee was attacked and had to flee for safety, while 3SC players were also targeted. Tear gas had to be fired to restore order.

Not a good look from the Sai Masu Gida faithfuls. pic.twitter.com/fWWKJ3js1M

— NPFL News 🇳🇬 (@NPFL_News) October 12, 2025

I know how painful it must have been to witness something so damaging to our game, and I am deeply, deeply sorry.

Violence has no place in football. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and goes against everything this beautiful sport stands for. Football is meant to unite, to inspire, to bring joy. When it turns into scenes of chaos and harm, we must not pretend it away, we must confront it head-on.”

He went further to state that those involved in the act of violence after the match will face the consequences.

“I assure everyone that Kano Pillars FC will work closely with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible for this shameful act, and they will face the full consequences of their actions.

We understand that apologies alone are not enough. Words must be followed by action. We would take a huge step internally to ensure that something like this never happens again.

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.”

The keenly contested match reached a breaking point in the 94th minute of play. Pillars, who were leading 1-0, watched in dismay as Shooting Stars netted in the leveller.

Once the goal was confirmed, hundreds of angry Kano Pillars fans, unable to contain their frustration, encroached onto the playing surface.

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