Soccer
Super Eagles captain and Kano Pillars general manager, Ahmed Musa, has issued a deeply emotional apology following violent scenes that marred Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League clash between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars Sports Club at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.
Supporters of the home side invaded the pitch and attacked Shooting Stars players and match officials after the game ended 1-1, with tensions boiling over in stoppage time.
In a heartfelt statement on Sunday night, Musa described the incident as “heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable.”
The former Leicester City forward stressed that the ugly scenes were against the true values and proud history of Kano Pillars.
Soccer ‘Violence has no place in football,’ says Musa
Musa, who doubles as the club’s player and general manager, did not hold back his disappointment, apologising to Shooting Stars, the referees, the NPFL board, and football fans across Nigeria.
“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 Shooting Stars is heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable. It does not represent the true values, identity, or proud history of Kano Pillars.”
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
The former Al Nassr forward vowed that the club would collaborate with relevant authorities to identify and punish those responsible.
“Violence has no place in football. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and goes against everything this beautiful sport stands for,” he said.
“We understand that apologies alone are not enough. Words must be followed by action.”
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Soccer Kano Pillars fans went wild after disallowed goal
The violence erupted moments after Shooting Stars equalised in stoppage time through Adams Mustapha, cancelling out an early opener by Pillars’ Mustapha Jibrin.
Pillars had earlier thought they had scored a second goal, but it was disallowed for offside, a decision that infuriated the home supporters. Replays showed inconclusive footage, and with no VAR in the NPFL, tensions rose sharply.
THIS IS BARBARIC!!!
Kano Pillars running after the ref after Shooting Stars equalised against Kano Pillars.
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) October 12, 2025
At full time, angry fans invaded the pitch, chasing match officials and attacking Shooting Stars players and coaches. Security personnel eventually stepped in to protect the visitors and the referees, escorting them out under heavy guard.
Soccer Pillars’ history of fan violence under scrutiny
The latest incident adds to a worrying pattern of fan misconduct involving the four-time NPFL champions.
Since 2019, Kano Pillars have reportedly been fined more than ₦36 million for various cases of crowd trouble and violent behaviour by their supporters.
Musa acknowledged the club’s responsibility, urging fans to channel their passion positively.
“To our loyal fans, I want to speak directly to you. True support is shown not through violence, but through respect, passion, and discipline.
“This must be a turning point for us. We must remind the world that our love for this club can be powerful without being destructive.”
The 31-year-old captain promised internal reforms to ensure such shameful scenes never happen again.
“We take full responsibility and will do everything necessary to restore trust, respect, and the true spirit of football in Kano and across Nigeria.”
Soccer League and public reaction
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board is expected to launch an investigation into the incident, with potential sanctions looming over Kano Pillars.
Shooting Stars have, in a statement, condemned the actions of the Pillars fans.
CLUB STATEMENT ON MATCHDAY 8 INCIDENT pic.twitter.com/rwoqfjfpUx
— Shooting Stars SC (@ShootingSc) October 12, 2025
Public outrage has also been widespread on social media, with fans and pundits calling for stricter measures to curb hooliganism and protect players.
As Musa’s statement circulates widely, many have praised his leadership and humility, hoping his words translate into real change for one of Nigeria’s most storied clubs.
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