Ahmed Musa apologizes after fans’ attack on Shooting Stars

The General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, Ahmed Musa, has issued a formal apology following violent scenes that erupted during his team’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Sunday evening

The fixture, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, descended into chaos after Shooting Stars scored a dramatic late equaliser, prompting sections of home fans to storm the pitch and assault players, referees, and match officials. Videos of the incident, circulating online, captured alarming scenes of violence and panic.

In a statement released on the club’s social media channels late Sunday, Musa condemned the behaviour and took full responsibility on behalf 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,” he wrote.

Describing the events as “heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable,” Musa stressed that such actions do not reflect the 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,” he added.

Musa extended apologies to the players, coaches, officials, and supporters of Shooting Stars, as well as referees, league officials, the NPFL board, and football fans nationwide.

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

Calling for accountability, Musa confirmed the club would work with authorities to identify those responsible. “Violence has no place in football. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and goes against everything this beautiful sport stands for. Kano Pillars FC will ensure those responsible face the full consequences of their actions,” he stated.

Acknowledging that words alone were insufficient, he promised concrete steps to prevent a recurrence. “We understand that apologies alone are not enough. Words must be followed by action. We will take significant internal measures to ensure something like this never happens again,” Musa said.

He also addressed Kano Pillars supporters directly, urging them to support the club with discipline and respect. “True support is shown not through violence, but through respect, passion, and discipline. This must be a turning point for us,” he said.

Musa concluded with a heartfelt apology and a commitment to restoring trust in Nigerian football. “On behalf of Kano Pillars Football Club, I offer my most sincere and unreserved apology to everyone affected. We take full responsibility and will do everything necessary to restore trust, respect, and the true spirit of football in Kano and across Nigeria,” he said.

The NPFL board has yet to announce any disciplinary measures following the incident.

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