Kano — Tensions flared at Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday evening when Shooting Stars (3SC) of Ibadan scored a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser, securing a 1-1 draw against Kano Pillars in NPFL Matchday 8.
Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that angry fans stormed the pitch immediately after the goal. They attacked the referee, match officials, and visiting players. As a result, security personnel fired teargas to restore order.
Chaos Erupts After Last-Minute Equaliser
Photos obtained by SaharaReporters showed fans breaking through the stadium cordon with sticks and other objects. Officials and players ran to the tunnel to escape.
“It was total chaos. Once Shooting Stars scored, fans lost control. They jumped the barriers and chased the referee. Security had to fire teargas to push them back,” said a journalist at the stadium.
The late goal enraged some Kano Pillars supporters, who accused the referee of bias. Meanwhile, players and coaches from both teams quickly left the field.
This incident follows a similar outbreak in April. Back then, Shooting Stars fans held players, coaches, referees, and journalists hostage for over an hour at Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan after a goalless match against Ikorodu City.
Samuel Bamisebi, spokesperson for Ikorodu City FC, said military personnel dispersed the crowd and escorted those trapped in the dressing rooms. “The players, coaches, and officials could not leave the dressing room. Military personnel helped everyone reach safety,” he said.
Bamisebi added that while no players or officials got hurt, Ikorodu City fans suffered property damage and personal losses. “Our fans’ bus got destroyed, one person got injured, and many lost their phones during the incident,” he said.
He also addressed claims that the stadium lights were deliberately switched off. “The lights went off across the entire arena, not just in our dressing rooms. None of our players or officials got hurt,” he explained.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Premier League (NPFL) has not released an official statement regarding the Sani Abacha Stadium violence.
